Kubota Corp. announced on Monday the opening of its new $73 million manufacturing facility at Kubota Industrial Equipment (KIE) in Jefferson.
The 522,000-square-foot plant on the 88-acre site recently began production of Kubota’s 30- to 50-horsepower compact tractor models.
“We are committed to making investments that will enable us to grow our business to meet the strong demand for Kubota tractors here in the U.S.,” said KIE President Henry Kubota.
Added to existing facilities in the state, the recent expansion brings Kubota’s total footprint of manufacturing and assembly space in Georgia to 2.2 million square feet. The new facility is located on the same site as the existing KIE property in Jefferson, which currently produces Kubota implements, including loaders and backhoes.
Once fully operational, the new facility will add 200 jobs to support the production capacity of 22,000 units annually.
Kubota began doing business in Georgia approximately 40 years ago, with its first operations located in Norcross. In the mid-1980s, Kubota purchased its first office building in the state and has further expanded its operation in Georgia to include Kubota Manufacturing of America in Gainesville; its National Distribution Center in Jefferson; and Kubota Industrial Equipment, also in Jefferson.
Kubota products currently manufactured and assembled at Georgia facilities include RTV utility vehicles; BX-Series subcompact tractors; Z-Series commercial and residential zero-turn mowers; and Kubota implements and attachments, including loaders, backhoes and mower decks. Just added at the new KIE facility are the Kubota L3200 and L3800 compact tractors.
Currently the company employs more than 1,700 people.
“Georgia’s 40-year business relationship with Japan has been the foundation of success for Kubota and hundreds of other Japanese companies here,” said GDEcD Commissioner Chris Cummiskey. “Our unique package of workforce, location, affordability and global access is very attractive for international companies looking to expand their markets.”