National boat engine company picks region for new HQ

TAMPA — The marine unit of Suzuki Motor of America, Suzuki Marine USA, has chosen Tampa for its new headquarters.

The move, announced Feb. 3 by the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council, includes plans for Suzuki Marine “to create numerous jobs over the next several years,” according to a statement. The jobs support Suzuki Marine’s corporate operations, dealer support and sales support, the release adds. The company’s facility will be at 13521 Prestige Place, in the Town ‘n’ Country section of Tampa, and is scheduled to open April 1.

“Tampa is the heart of the marine business in North America and we look forward to starting our operations here,” said Suzuki Marine President USA Masahiro Yamamoto says in the statement. “We are confident that Tampa’s collaborative business climate, excellent quality of life and strategic location will help us build a successful company in the United States.” 

Suzuki Marine manufactures and sells outboard motors and several lines of related parts and accessories. The company joins a growing list of companies that have announced plans to relocate or establish its corporate headquarters in Tampa and Hillsborough County in the past few years, including Bertram Yachts, The Mosaic Co., Ekoa Brands, and OPSWAT. In addition, one of the largest boar dealers by sales volume, Marine Max, is based in Clearwater.  

“With our many vibrant waterfront communities and well-established marine industry, Suzuki Marine has picked the perfect location to establish its corporate headquarters,” said Pat Kemp, chair of the Hillsborough County Commission Chairwoman Pat Kemp says in the release. “We’re thrilled Suzuki Marine has chosen to invest in Hillsborough County. Its economic impact will be felt throughout our community for years to come.” 

Suzuki Motor of America as announced a restructuring of its U.S. operations in December, according to Boating Industry magazine. That included breaking the Motorcycle/ATV and Marine Divisions into two separate companies; Suzuki Motor USA will remain headquartered in Brea, Calif., Suzuki’s corporate home in the U.S. since 1981.

Choosing Tampa for Suzuki Marine USA, the release states, was strategically chosen to expand Suzuki’s business, improve collaboration within the marine industry and strengthen its relationship with boat builders, dealers, and vendors. The location also provides convenient access to Suzuki’s new Marine Technical Center, which opened in Panama City in June.