18 • September 2024 • Powersports Business

Massimo Group has adopted a new automated vehicle assembly robot line , which is expected to be installed in the coming weeks at its 376,000 square foot factory in Garland , Texas , to support the production of its ATV and UTV lines .

The purpose-built production line integrates an automated flexible conveyance system utilizing Automated Guided Robots ( AGRs ) that move vehicles along the assembly line , guided through the facility along pre-determined pathways . The AGRs replace the traditional fixed workstations for work-in-process movement during manufacturing operations . Each Robot can be individually controlled , enabling de-coupling from the assembly line when needed , such as smoothing station-to-station timing imbalances . Massimo expects the new process will increase assembly efficiency by 50 percent by minimizing manual handling , decreasing labor , and enhancing safety for assembly line workers .

“ The completion of the new automated assembly line and vehicle manufacturing capabilities adds to our recent 90,000 square foot expansion to support increased production across our Motor product vertical ,” says David Shan , founder , chairman , and CEO of Massimo . “ By implementing this automated manufacturing infrastructure , we hope to ensure Massimo can continue to deliver the same quality , reliability , durability , and performance our customers have come to expect , while simultaneously adding significant efficiencies and safety advantages to the production process . After assembly , accessorizing , and inspection on the new production line , our facility will be outfitted to efficiently palletize and shrink-wrap ATVs and UTVs , enabling the shipment of most orders to stores or distributors within three days .”

Massimo recently participated in the Outdoor Power Equipment

Hoedown for Mid States Distributing , held at the Gaylord

Opryland in Nashville , Tennessee . Photo courtesy of Massimo

Yamaha Motor Corporation , USA , and Yamaha Motor University ( YMU ) have recognized the winners of the United States Technician Grand Prix ( USTGP ) and SkillsUSA championships held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta , Georgia .

By sponsoring the SkillsUSA national championship event and hosting the U . S . Tech Grand Prix alongside it , Yamaha and YMU are developing the next generation of powersports technicians and providing students with the opportunity to work directly alongside topperforming Yamaha dealership professionals .

“ The motorsports industry is powered by passionate and skilled enthusiasts ,” says John Grubb , YMU training manager . “ Supporting and developing the next generation of technicians is critical to Yamaha ’ s mission to deliver the very best service for our customers , and events like SkillsUSA allow us to empower this next generation .”

2024 SKILLSUSA CHAMPIONS Yamaha sponsored the Motorcycle Service Technology contest inside SkillsUSA for the third consecutive year . With labs covering a range of real-world service tasks and customer service needs , contestants had to rotate through eight timed and proctored stations on their way to the top of the podium . Yamaha and YMU recognize the following students :

High School Gold : Brayden Arnold – Lehigh Career & Technical Institute , Schnecksville , PA

High School Silver : Ayden Stratz – Uintah Basin Technical College , Vernal , UT

High School Bronze : Cosmo McIntosh – Ulster BOCES , Port Ewen , NY

College Gold : Peter Paul – Southeast Community College-Milford , Milford , NE

College Silver : Gavin Stanislaw – North Dakota State College of Science , Wahpeton , ND

College Bronze : Dan Townsend – Alexandria Technical & Community College , Alexandria , MN

2024 UNITED STATES TECHNICIAN GRAND PRIX CHAMPIONS

Brian Ladner of Macomb Powersports earned the right to represent the United States at the world level in 2025 .

The Yamaha USTGP is a challenging , ‘ hands-on ’ technical skills competition where Yamaha dealership technicians must accurately diagnose vehicle problems and handle customer service issues .

Contestants work through each lab under close supervision , preparing the winner to compete at the international championship round at Yamaha ’ s headquarters in Iwata , Japan .

This year , Ladner will represent the United States . Yamaha and YMU recognizes Ladner , and all the skilled finalists :

Gold : Brian Ladner – Macomb Powersports , Chesterfield , MI

Silver : Colin McCreary – Miller ’ s Motorsports , Beavers Falls , PA

Bronze : Chris Callaghan – Pasadena Yamaha , Pasadena CA

Finalists , Aaron Lawson – MOMS Foxboro , Foxborugh , MA Caden Watson – Rexburg Motorsports ,

Rexburg , ID Aaron Schultz – Fuel Powersports ,

Westbend , WI .

By sponsoring the SkillsUSA national championship event and hosting the U . S . Tech Grand Prix alongside it , Yamaha and YMU are helping to develop the next generation of powersports technicians . Photos courtesy of Yamaha Motor Corp . USA

Brian Ladner of Macomb Powersports earned the right to represent the United States at the world level in 2025 .