Japanese factory says hello to new Marion home

By Jake Goshert, Staff Writer for The Marion Star, April 15, 1999

With golden shovels, area business and political leaders dug up some shining dreams Wednesday as ground was broken in Marion’s Dual Rail Industrial Park for the new US Yachiyo factory.

Construction on the $29 million, 120,000 square-foot facility will start this month. Production of high-precision fuel tanks for Honda automobiles will start in August, 2000 with 80 employees after three years.

The plant’s Japanese owners said the cooperative nature of all levels of government made their decision to locate in Marion easy.

“We will strive to be active in the growth of the community with our company being a valuable member of Marion,” said Mamoru Otake, the president of US Yachiyo. “The hard work and cooperation from so many people will provide opportunities for our associates and our new community.

The factory, whose main customer will be the Honda plant in Marysville, will be built on 40 acres just north of Fairground Street. Since it is on such a large lot, expansion is not out of the question.

But first the new, cutting-edge technology being put into the plant must be proven beneficial.

“It is our dream to help you develop US Yachiyo to exceed your expectation,” said Kazuhira Kato, Yachiyo’s parent company. “I am confident this wonderful friendship will continue to grow stronger and deeper.”

US Yachiyo, which will be the first company to join LTV Tubular Steel in Marion’s Dual Rail Industrial Park, is the first Japanese company to move into the area.

Local leaders said the new cultural injection into the community will benefit all involved.

“I welcome you to our community and we are confident you will be glad you chose Marion,” said John Watkins, president of the Marion County Commissioners. “Your employees will be pleased when they get involved with our school systems, our churches, our arts, our merchants and more importantly, our people.  

To help underscore their desire to be good neighbors, US Yachiyo has slated $30,000 for scholarships for local students going on to college.

“With financial assistance and scholarships like this it can be a deciding factor if a student goes to college or not,” said Erica Schorr, a Ridgedale junior who spoke at the ground breaking. “Thank you.”