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Yazaki North America, Inc. Opens State-Of-The-Art Headquarters

10 June 1999

Yazaki North America, Inc. Opens State-Of-The-Art Headquarters

    CANTON, Mich., June 10 -- Yazaki North America, Inc. a
leading supplier of electronic and electrical technology to the global
automotive industry and non-automotive customers, today announced the opening
of its newly constructed headquarters building in Canton, Michigan.  The
facility, which features 37 research and development laboratories and a major
new technical library, houses 1,500 local associates and serves as the hub for
some 90,000 associates across North America.
    The 419,511 square foot building rests on a 27-acre parcel of land at
Warren and Haggerty Roads in Canton.  It was constructed across Haggerty from
the company's former North American Headquarters, established in 1986.  Yazaki
opened its first North American office in Chicago in 1966.
    "It is a state-of-the-art facility," says Tetsuro Suzuki, president of
Yazaki North America.  "We have tried to create an atmosphere that will spark
innovative thinking among our associates and maintain Yazaki's position as a
leader in advanced electrical and electronic technology."
    The unique architecture of the four-story building provides a stunning
addition to the southeast Michigan landscape and incorporates many features
designed to create an enjoyable, productive work environment for Yazaki
associates.  Associates are grouped in customer-centric communities that
enable them to respond to customer needs with maximum efficiency.  Coffee
stations and cafe-style tables are situated outside each community, creating
an opportunity for associate interaction and providing an area for impromptu
meetings.
    A dramatic feature of the interior is a 165-foot long, 48-foot wide boat
suspended from the ceiling.  While remarkable to behold, and an inspiration to
both associates and customers, the true nature of the boat is functional --
it houses Yazaki's technical library containing a wealth of Yazaki research
available to customers and associates.
    The building's distinctive architecture is evident even when viewed from a
distance.  While it has been documented as the largest free-standing glass
structure in North America, the building's glass outer skin also serves a
practical purpose.  Air is circulated in a buffer zone enclosed by two glass
walls.  As the sun heats it, the air rises and is circulated through the
building in the winter or is dispelled in the summer.  This supplementary
heating and cooling system requires less energy consumption, in keeping with
Yazaki's philosophy of environmental responsibility.
    Tadasu Ohe of Plantec Architects designed the four-story structure.
Shimizu America Corporation served as general contractor for the building,
with Stevens & Wilkinson of Georgia, Inc. providing architectural engineering
and interior design services.
    In addition to opening ceremonies on June 11, Yazaki customers will have
an opportunity to view the facility during the week of June 14.
    Yazaki North America, Inc. is a global leader in the development and
manufacturing of wiring harnesses, junction blocks, modules, electronics and
advanced technology for the automotive industry and non-automotive customers.