Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. revealed on February 26, 2026, that its U.S. subsidiary, Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., will shift its headquarters from Cypress, California, to Kennesaw, Georgia. The Cypress campus, which has housed the headquarters since 1979 after land acquisition in 1978, spans 25.1 acres and primarily supports corporate functions and financial services.

The relocation will occur in phases by function from the end of 2026 through the end of 2028, with Yamaha selling all fixed assets at the Cypress site, including land, offices, and warehouses. A sale-and-leaseback arrangement will ensure business continuity during the transition. The property, listed by Avison Young, totals 278,964 square feet of industrial, flex-warehouse, and office space on Katella Avenue.

This move completes a gradual shift of U.S. operations to Georgia. The marine business relocated to Kennesaw in 1999 for better customer service, followed by the motorsports business in 2019. Yamaha maintains significant presence in the state, including a 1.3 million-square-foot factory in Newnan employing over 2,000 people and a Marine Innovation Center in Kennesaw. Georgia operations already employ around 2,400 to 2,600 people.

The decision stems from structural reforms to enhance U.S. profitability amid rising costs from tariffs and market shifts. Yamaha aims to improve asset efficiency, reduce cross-business costs, and build a resilient structure less reliant on revenue growth. Consolidation in Kennesaw will streamline logistics near manufacturing sites.

In Cypress, the exit affects about 250 workers, marking the second major departure after Mitsubishi Motors in 2019. City planning director Alicia Velasco expressed regret, noting Yamaha's 40-plus years as a key business park tenant, but anticipates collaboration on the transition.

Yamaha Motor USA CEO Mike Chrzanowski highlighted Kennesaw's appeal in 2024, stating, “I chose Kennesaw because this is where all the action is,” during a Cobb Chamber event. Spokesman Bob Starr emphasized efficiency from uniting functions in Georgia.

Details on sale price, buyer, and exact employee relocations remain under review as Yamaha advances its U.S. operational overhaul.