Yamaha Marine Precision Propellers broke ground this week on a new manufacturing facility in Indiana that could increase propeller production by more than 40,000 propellers a year. The move comes as outboard sales have been booming for the Japanese company.
Construction on the new production facility in Greenfield, Indiana, should be completed in mid-2020, company officials said during a dedication ceremony on July 8. The 54,000-square-foot manufacturing facility will be built on 5 acres of the 28-acres property.
“This is the largest expansion we have ever experienced at (Yamaha Marine Precision Propellers),” said Jonathon Burns, YPPI general manager, in a press release. “YPPI looks forward to developing our workforce with a strong pool of manufacturing talent. We’re proud to be a part of the growth in the community and we’re excited to show the people of Greenfield what YPPI has to offer through innovative technology and as an employer of choice.”
Yamaha said the company will add 30 jobs once the manufacturing facility is completed. The new propeller plant and an Indianapolis facility will employ more than 200 people, officials said.
Propeller production can increase from 60,000 to over 100,000, a 67 percent increase in total manufacturing output. Burns said the expansion supports the Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit’s mission to be a leader in component and system integrations that allow customers to enjoy an easier boating experience.
“Propellers are part of the integrated system that boats need today,” Burns said. “This facility will allow us to increase what we offer to our customers. It will also allow us to try new more efficient manufacturing technologies that will increase quality and reduce costs.“
The new production facility groundbreaking comes a week after Yamaha added three new propellers to help fine-tune the performance of the V8 XTO Offshore outboard. Yamaha has added 18-, 20- and 22-inch pitches of the XTO OS propeller.
XTO OS propellers use a large diameter and specially designed blade surface area is ideal for large boats. The XTO Offshore and the XTO OS propeller together can produce up to 300 percent more reverse thrust than the previous F350.
The new even pitch XTO OS propellers are available now.