Yamaha Motor Reinforces Commitment to Workforce Development Through Pledge to America’s Workers

Yamaha Motor reinforced its commitment to workforce development within its U.S. manufacturing facilities through the President’s Pledge to America’s Workers. Mike Chrzanowski, President of Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation (YMMC), and Ben Speciale, President of Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit, signed the pledge during a visit from U.S. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt at YMMC’s Newnan, Ga. facility, where the company assembles golf cars, personal watercraft, and ROVs.

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During a visit with U.S. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt (standing) at Yamaha's facility in Newnan, Ga., Mike Chrzanowski, President of Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation (seated left) and Ben Speciale, President of Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit (seated right) signed the Pledge to America's Workers, reinforcing Yamaha's commitment to workforce development. (Photo: Business Wire)

“Manufacturing jobs represent the backbone of the U.S. economy. Within the recreational industry, these vocations not only provide U.S. workers with a solid means for making a living, they also play a key role in our industry’s future,” said Chrzanowski. “Yamaha is proud to sign this pledge in the presence of our employees and Secretary Bernhardt. We promise to support and grow the agile, resilient and diverse workforce of the future by building and expanding the pathways that lead to rewarding careers.”

The Pledge to America’s Workers is an initiative that stemmed from the President’s National Council for the American Worker, which was established on July 19, 2018. The council leads a national strategy for training and re-training workers in high demand industries, such as recreational manufacturing. To date, more than 430 companies have signed the pledge, contributing to more than 16 million new training opportunities for American students and workers over the next five years.

“The marine industry alone has a total impact of $170 billion on the U.S. economy, which includes more than 691,000 jobs within 35,000 businesses,” said Speciale, who represents six additional Yamaha Marine manufacturing facilities in the U.S., including Yamaha Jet Boat Manufacturing, Skeeter Boats, G3 boats, Bennett Marine, Yamaha Precision Propellers, and Kracor. “Yamaha applauds Secretary Bernhardt’s recognition of the importance of the outdoor recreation industry. We particularly thank him for his leadership and support of the Great American Outdoors Act, which will improve infrastructure projects such as boat docks and launch ramps. We also appreciate his willingness to open public lands to outdoor recreational activities. That access solidifies the future of our industry and the manufacturing and technical jobs that support it.

“Yamaha has invested heavily in technical training and workforce development,” said Speciale. “In recent years, 2,589 students have enrolled in 98 technical school programs spanning 30 states, all supported by Yamaha. In addition, we’ve gained 2,116 Yamaha Marine Industry Technical School Certifications.”

Yamaha Facility B-roll

Yamaha Facility Tour B-roll

Chrzanowski and Speciale Sign Pledge to America’s Workers B-roll

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. (YMUS) is a recognized leader in the powersports industry. The ever-expanding product offerings of YMUS and its subsidiaries include Motorcycles and Scooters, ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles, Snowmobiles, WaveRunner Personal Watercraft, Boats, Outboard Motors, Outdoor Power Equipment, Power Assist Bicycles, Golf Cars, Power Assist Wheelchair Systems, Surface Mount Technology (SMT) Machines, Unmanned Helicopters, Accessories, Apparel, and much more. Yamaha products are sold through a nationwide network of distributors and dealers in the United States.

YMUS has a corporate office in California, two corporate offices in Georgia, facilities in Wisconsin and Alabama, and factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia. Additional U.S.-based Yamaha companies include Skeeter Boats (Skeeter Products, Inc., Texas); G3 Boats, a division of Skeeter Products, Inc. (Missouri); Yamaha Marine Systems Co., Inc. (YMSC, California); Bennett Marine, a division of YMSC (Florida); Kracor, a division of YMSC (Wisconsin); Yamaha Marine Precision Propellers, Inc. (Indiana); Yamaha Jet Boat Manufacturing U.S.A., Inc. (Tennessee); and Yamaha Golf-Car Company (Georgia).

REMEMBER to always observe all applicable boating laws. Never drink and drive. Dress properly with a USCG-approved personal floatation device and protective gear.

© 2020 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved.

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