Yamaha Motor exits California for Georgia in 2026â2028 headquarters shift
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. will shift its headquarters from Cypress, California, to Kennesaw, Georgia. The relocation, announced in 2024, follows a broader trend of businesses leaving California due to rising costs and proposed tax policies.
The move will take place gradually between late 2026 and late 2028, affecting up to 800 of the 1,000 employees currently based in Cypress.
Yamaha has operated its U.S. corporate office in Cypress since 1979. The site primarily handles corporate functions and financial services, while its marine and motorsports divisions already moved to Kennesaw in 1999 and 2019, respectively.
The company cited U.S. tariffs and shifts in the market environment as key reasons for the decision. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp welcomed the announcement, highlighting the state's business-friendly policies. Yamaha is best known for motorcycles, though these are not produced in North America. Instead, its U.S. operations focus on ATVs, boat engines, and personal watercraft. The relocation aligns with a growing pattern of corporations and individuals leaving California for lower-cost states.
The transition will unfold in stages, with business functions moving incrementally over two years. Once complete, the new Georgia headquarters will centralise Yamaha's U.S. operations.
Up to 800 employees may relocate, though the final number remains uncertain. The move reflects broader economic pressures facing businesses in California.
