On November 1, 2023, the ability previously often known as the IRA Civic Heart was renamed Yanmar Area. Grand Rapids-based Yanmar Compact Gear North America — which incorporates Yanmar Compact Gear and ASV manufacturers — entered right into a partnership with the Minnesota metropolis to safe naming rights of the ability.
Among the many inspirations for the partnership is Yanmar’s foundational ethos of hanasaka, a Japanese phrase which means “let the individuals and the long run bloom.” By means of hanasaka, Yanmar envisions a future the place younger expertise is nurtured and impressed by sports activities and humanities, contributing to a thriving, related group.
With over 200,000 guests per yr, the newly christened Yanmar Area is a well-liked venue for ice hockey, determine skating and group occasions held all year long. The official grand opening and ribbon slicing was held earlier than the beginning of the Grand Rapids Excessive Faculty boys’ hockey sport towards Hibbing on November 22.
“We’re immensely grateful for Yanmar’s dedication to the Grand Rapids group and their real assist for the expansion and well-being of our residents.”
— Grand Rapids Mayor Dale Christy
“The renaming of the IRA Civic Heart to Yanmar Area illustrates Yanmar’s dedication to Grand Rapids and the encircling space by serving to make athletic alternatives extra accessible to the generations of athletes,” mentioned Tate Johnson, CEO and president of Yanmar CE North America. “This was a superb alternative for us to present again in a significant method; and we’re honored to companion with the Metropolis of Grand Rapids on this endeavor.”
In accordance with metropolis officers, the 10-year settlement will decrease the price of ice time by roughly $40/hour for all events that make the most of Yanmar Area. In consequence, 1000’s of individuals, younger and outdated, will take pleasure in larger accessibility to ice skating; and Yanmar hopes it will assist the following technology of younger athletes.
“This collaboration will improve our native sports activities scene and open doorways for athletes of all ages and backgrounds,” mentioned Dale Christy, mayor of Grand Rapids. “We’re immensely grateful for Yanmar’s dedication to the Grand Rapids group and their real assist for the expansion and well-being of our residents.”
Yanmar Declares Growth Plan
Yanmar Compact Gear North America plans a 32,000-square-foot growth in its hometown of Grand Rapids, MN. Learn extra…
Yanmar CE North America’s dedication to its hometown and assist for community-driven initiatives is on the coronary heart of this historic partnership. Yanmar seeks to ascertain an area that not solely fosters athletic excellence however serves as a cornerstone for group engagement, enrichment and satisfaction.
Yanmar CE North America additionally offered the Metropolis of Grand Rapids with a brand new TL100VS, the debut machine in its new line of compact monitor loaders, which might be used for snow removing and upkeep on the facility.
Earlier this yr, Yanmar introduced a 32,000-square-foot growth to its manufacturing facility in Grand Rapids the place the corporate will manufacture compact monitor loaders for each its Yanmar and ASV manufacturers (see sidebar). The corporate additionally introduced the addition of lots of of jobs in Grand Rapids over the approaching years.
