News Release

YANMAR President Takehito Yamaoka has been decorated as an Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau by His Majesty The King of the Netherlands Willem-Alexander.

This prestigious award was granted in honor of the company's 28 years of continuous business activities in the Netherlands. YANMAR’s activities include engine assembly and sales at its facility in the city of Almere, as well as its contributions to the local community, such as its support for the local football team.

On December 8, a ceremony was held at the Tokyo residence of the Netherlands ambassador to Japan where ambassador Aart Jacobi presented the award to YANMAR President Takehito Yamaoka.

YANMAR established "YANMAR Europe B.V." in Almere, Netherlands in 1989. The company oversaw the development of YANMAR’s business in Europe, and also included a service parts management center to provide customers with optimal service. Later, in 1996, the company established an assembly plant for small boat diesel engines, contributing to further development of economic activities and creation of jobs for local communities.
The company also actively supports the local Almere Netherlands soccer team, "Almere City FC", sponsors the Van Gogh Museum and participates in other activities promoting local culture.

[Comments from President Takehito Yamaoka]
It is truly a privilege to have been selected to receive this most distinguished honor. I am grateful that we have been able to continue our business in the Netherlands these 28 years with the understanding and support of the local community.
I hope to use the opportunity presented by this award to further the awareness in Japan of the many positive and appealing aspects of the Netherlands through social activities including sports, culture and development of future generations. I would like YANMAR to serve as a bridge between the Netherlands and Japan, and to contribute to the construction of even stronger ties between the two nations. In addition, I will work to ensure that YANMAR remains a company which fosters the coexistence of people and nature and strives for sustainability in order to realize a more affluent society for future generations.