BRIDGEPORT — It was the perfect ending to a perfect day last week in Jackson County.
Senate Majority Leader Steve Livingston and State Rep. Mike Kirkland met with Yamaha officials to tour the company’s test facility along the Tennessee River in Bridgeport.
They also talked with employees and capped off the visit with a ride on a 44-foot Pursuit OS 445 Offshore boat powered by three Yamaha 450-horsepower XTO Offshore outboards.
“Yamaha’s presence in Jackson County has the potential to create jobs within the community,” said Livingston. “I’m encouraged by the recruiting possibilities which could occur between Yamaha, the local school system and the community college which could lead to future workforce development in northern Alabama.”
Livingston and Kirkland (R-Scottsboro) made the visit to learn more about Yamaha’s workforce development opportunities as well as the company’s economic impact within the state of Alabama.
The 47,000 square-foot facility is used to test the durability and reliability of Yamaha Marine products.
John O’Keefe, Government Relations Senior Specialist, Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit, and Site Manager Travis Watkins led the tour of the facility.
“Inviting elected officials to tour our facilities provides Yamaha with an opportunity to share our story,” said O’Keefe. “More importantly though, it gives officials an occasion to meet and connect with the men and women who make up the Yamaha team and gain a better understating of the workforce development options available through the company.”
Livingston and Kirkland walked the entire facility, from the offices to the warehouses, then took the boat ride.
“It’s been about 20 years since I was last here, and I am just amazed at Yamaha’s progress.” Kirkland said. “The Tennessee River is an economic engine for our communities here, and I think it’s great that Yamaha recognized the importance of the river and decided to build an important facility right here in our backyard.
“Jackson County is a great location, and this facility is outstanding.”
Kirkland serves on the House committees for State Government, Transportation, Utilities and Infrastructure, and Ports, Waterways & Intermodal Transit.
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