History of Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp., U.S.A.

1974

Motorcycle assembly plant established as a division of Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. in Lincoln, Nebraska.

1975

First motorcycle produced in Lincoln plant. Began production of Jetski™ watercraft.


1980

Began production of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).

Foreign trade zone established at Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., in Lincoln. 

1981

Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp., U.S.A., established as a separate entity from Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.

Implemented the 'Kawasaki Production System' (KPS) lean manufacturing system.

Began automobile seat frame manufacturing.

1983

Began robotic welding of seat frames and motorcycle chassis.

1986

Began production of ATV wheels.

1987

Began production of utility vehicles.

1989

Maryville, Missouri engine plant established as a Foreign trade zone. First small engine (FC150V) produced.

Began outside sales of ATV wheels.

1991

Began molding SMC Jetski™ bodies. Opened 'Club K', Kawasaki employee fitness center.

1992

Began electro-deposition coating process.

1994

Began robotic arm assembly. Started resin transfer molding of  

Jetski™ bodies.

1995

ISO 9002 certification for the manufacture of industrial robots.

2000 

Addition of ATV Research and Development department.

2001

Began operation of the Kawasaki co-generation system. Began assembly of Rail Cars.

2002

Began rail car-shell welding. Began hydrographic ink transcription process.

2003

Obtained ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 14001:1996 certifications for the manufacture of Rail Cars.

2007

Began production of Recreational Utility Vehicles (RUV - Teryx™ ).

2008

Began injection molding Utility Vehicle body panels. 

2010

Shipped our 1,000th rail car. Produced our 3,000,000th Powersports vehicle.

2011

Opened the rail car function test facility and test track.

2012

Began 12v starter motor production.

2014

Produced our 30,000,000th wheel.