Governor Brian Kemp (R-GA) recently announced that Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. officially decided to move its U.S. headquarters to Kennesaw, Georgia, opting to relocate out of California following roughly 50 years of operation in the state.
In a statement, Gov. Kemp expressed pride in fostering Georgia’s relationship with Yamaha and securing this new arrangement. He also highlighted Georgia as the best state for business for any other companies looking to escape restrictive states like California.
“After many years of great partnership, we are honored and proud to welcome Yamaha's American headquarters to the No. 1 state for business,” said Gov. Kemp. “This is another loud and clear testament to what we offer job creators from around the world. To any other California-based companies looking for a better home, we'll give you plenty of reasons to keep Georgia on your mind.”
Yamaha and Georgia
This decision follows a meeting between Gov. Kemp and Yamaha executives in October of last year at the Southeast U.S./Japan (SEUS-Japan) annual gathering in Tokyo.
As a manufacturer of ATVs, boat engines, personal watercraft, and other motorized products, Yamaha already has a strong presence in the Peach State, employing over 2,300 Georgians. The relocation of Yamaha’s U.S. headquarters will begin this year and will continue through 2028.
Yamaha currently employs thousands of people across Georgia with its biggest example being the 1.3-million-square-foot factory in Newnan, which currently employs roughly 2,000 Georgians.
Yamaha relocated its marine division to Kennesaw in 1999 and expanded the facility with a 75,000-square-foot Marine Innovation Center in 2023. In 2019, the company relocated its motorsports operations to the state to benefit from closer proximity to other existing facilities.
Founded in 1955 and headquartered in Japan, the company operates under the corporate mission of being a "Kando Creating Company," aiming to offer excitement and fulfillment for people all over the world.
After years of great partnership, we're proud to welcome Yamaha's HQ to the No. 1state for business!
To any other California-based companies looking for a better home, we'll give you plenty of reasons to keep Georgia on your mind.https://t.co/calO8Zv9ld
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) March 10, 2026
