Company To Build Training Center in Cherokee County

ACWORTH, GA -- YANMAR America has invested $20 million and acquired more than 50 acres of land in southwest Cherokee County to build a new training and customer experience facility.

That's according to news released Tuesday by the company, a global manufacturer of advanced industrial and marine diesel engines, generators and construction and agricultural utility vehicles.

The new facility is slated to open in August 2017, with an official groundbreaking ceremony at the site scheduled for Nov. 16.

“YANMAR is proud to continue our investment in the North American market," said YANMAR President Takehito Yamaoka. "We believe this new property will help us support our growing dealer network and end user customers, while also broadening our company’s initiatives related to our mission of creating a more sustainable future."

Located at the corner of Highway 92 and Old Alabama Road near Acworth, the nearly 50,000-square-foot facility will feature classrooms with dedicated space for each of the company's product lines: industrial diesel engines and generators, commercial marine diesel engines, agriculture equipment, construction equipment, utility task vehicles and energy systems; an auditorium; museum; gift shop; cantina; office space and meeting space.

Outdoor amenities will include a customer experience area for product demonstrations.

“We are delighted to have YANMAR’s state-of-the-art training facility in Cherokee," said Cherokee County Commission Chairman Buzz Ahrens. "They are among several new and expanding international corporations choosing Cherokee because of our superb location and access to talent. We look forward to YANMAR’s success as they help to build our sustainable vision for Cherokee."

YANMAR America president Tim Fernandez stated Cherokee County was a "desirable location" for several reasons, such as its natural beauty, the welcoming nature of its leaders and its proximity to its Adairsville headquarters and the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

“We want to better equip our customers to make them successful in their businesses and with the YANMAR product," Fernandez added. "This new facility will allow us to offer proper training for all aspects of our business, while also providing premium experiences through partnerships with the local communities and industry partners such as farmer’s markets, civic group meetings and consumer educational opportunities.”

Kennesaw-based Croft Architects Engineers will design and engineer the facility. while Carroll Daniel Construction out of Gainesville has been selected as the general contractor.

Image via YANMAR