In 1982, the Fender division of CBS established Fender Japan in conjunction with Kanda Shokai and Yamano music. Production of the Squier instruments, originally intended for European distribution, began in 1983 at the Fugi Gen Gakki facilities in Matsumoto, Japan. The Squier trademark was based on the V.C. Squier string-making company that produced strings for Fender in the 1950s, and was later acquired by Fender (under CBS) in 1965. What was intended as a European Commodity soon became a way for Fender to provide entry level instruments for students and beginning players.
The Squier trademark was introduced in 1983, and Squier II series was introduced circa 1986. In 1996, the Squier line was greatly expanded by Fender, with the introduction of various different series.
Instruments currently produced in Mexico, Korea, and China. Distributed by the Fender Musical Instrument company of Scottsdale, AZ. Instruments first produced in Japan circa 1982; later production shifted to Korea in 1987 (to the Young Chang Akki factory).