Yanmar is best known in Europe for its marine engines for pleasure and commercial shipping. In addition, the Japanese
multinational manufactures engines for industrial machinery and related products, such as excavators and tractors. Yanmar also develops power systems for heating and cooling larger premises. Since its foundation in 1912, the company has focused on fuel economy. Peter Aarsen, president of Yanmar Europe BV, says: "All our machines and engines are therefore highly efficient and energy-efficient." A result of continuous product development and innovation.
Yanmar once started as an agricultural mechanisation company. Its first product was a compact diesel engine that supported Japanese farmers in their work in the fields. That engine of the time has continued to evolve and is still the heart of the company. Anno 2022, Yanmar operates in more than 130 countries worldwide. The company is also well represented in Europe, with 15 branches in Spain, France, Italy and Germany, among others. The regional headquarters for Europe, the Middle East and Africa has been located in Almere for more than 30 years and has around 250 employees.
Global market leader
In the field of industrial engines, Yanmar is among the top three market players in the segment up to 150 kilowatts. The company is also a global leader in engines for sailing yachts and generator engines for large shipping. Aarsen: "As an engine manufacturer, we are not usually associated with sustainability. But in the next 20 to 30 years, engines will certainly remain an important part of the energy transition. We would like to remain that big player, but also the most sustainable one. We do so with engines that are more innovative and cleaner than required by regulations. And by supporting the transition to circular fuel as much as possible."
Yanmar's European R&D centre in Italy is managed from Almere. Aarsen: "For example, we are developing a technology to make tractors drive autonomously. We are now introducing the first self-driving robotic tractor in Europe, specifically for viticulture in France. And for the shipping segment, we have developed an innovative propulsion technology that allows us to make steps towards hybrid and electric propulsion. We are also working on robotised vessels, which can be used to carry out maintenance work on offshore wind farms, for example."
" We would like to remain that big player, but also the most sustainable one. With engines that are more innovative and cleaner than required by regulations. "
Peter Aarsen, President Yanmar Europe BV
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