A century ago, The Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd. (YRC) opened for business with one facility and began producing rubber-based products such as belts, hoses and, of course, tires.
One hundred years later, Yokohama has evolved into a $6 billion global brand, manufacturing technologically advanced, environmentally sensitive world-class products for a variety of industries, including the automotive, marine, aerospace and golf markets. Today, Yokohama has facilities in 120 countries and employs more than 20,000 people worldwide.
“This is a remarkable achievement for Yokohama,” said Hideto Katsuragawa, YRC member of the board and senior managing officer, CEO of Yokohama Corp. of North America (YCNA) and CEO of Yokohama Tire Corp. (YTC) in the United States. “Yokohama has succeeded for 100 years through pioneering technology and innovation.”
Yokohama entered the U.S. market in 1969 with the establishment of YTC, which was first based in Montebello, California. YTC’s steady growth in the U.S. led to the opening of several facilities, including tire manufacturing plants in Salem, Virginia and West Point, Mississippi, as well as a recently opened Technical Development Center near Charlotte, North Carolina; several distribution centers, including a new major facility in Chino, California; and Yokohama’s new U.S. headquarters in Santa Ana, California.
Outside of the U.S., Yokohama’s North American presence includes facilities in Canada and Mexico.
Katsuragawa added that Yokohama’s first 100 years are only the beginning. “We’re proud to celebrate 100 years of continuous growth in tire innovation but we are not resting. We are on the move, and look forward to our next 100 years of being the best manufacturer and supplier in the rubber and tire industry.”
A full Yokohama company timeline and history is available here.
