Yamaha, the Japanese company that manufactures both musical instruments and audio equipment as well as motorcycles and marine equipment, is leaving Gavin Newsom’s California after being headquartered in the state for 50 years. This is yet another major business to pull up stakes and flee the Golden State, where taxes are insane, crime is out of control, and the Democrats in Sacramento hate business.
Yamaha pulling out of California after half a century: HQ headed to Georgia https://t.co/4K0heOFWaA pic.twitter.com/8V81XKXsNz
— New York Post (@nypost) March 10, 2026
Yamaha is moving to Georgia.
After nearly 50 years in Orange County, Yamaha Motor Corp. USA is packing up its headquarters — trading Cypress, California for Kennesaw, Georgia in a sweeping corporate shift that will impact about 250 workers.
The motorcycle and motorsports giant says the move is part of major “structural reforms” meant to boost profits as costs climb — including pressure from tariffs imposed during the administration of President Donald Trump and shifting market conditions.
The relocation won’t happen overnight. Yamaha plans to start the exit in late 2026, with the transition stretching into 2028.
Company spokesman Bob Starr said consolidating operations in Georgia simply makes business sense.
“In terms of efficiency, to have us all together in Georgia — all the functions of the business — it makes a lot of sense,” Starr said.
The departure marks another corporate blow for Cypress.