Kubota Wins Manufacturer of the Year; Kubota Manufacturing of America Wins Prestigious Georgia Award

Asset Caption: Left to right: Hank Kawasaki, VP Administration; Gov. Perdue; John Shiraishi, President; Mike Vincent, VP Manufacturing; Ike Korogi, VP New Product.

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    Business Editors
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    GAINESVILLE, Ga.--April 23, 2003--Kubota Manufacturing of America (KMA) was named Georgia Manufacturer of the Year in the large size company category by Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue (R) during ceremonies held at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, April 17.
    KMA's selection as Georgia's manufacturing standout for 2002 is the result of its nomination by Lanier Technical College. Over one hundred other companies were nominated. "This is an important achievement for Kubota and recognizes our manufacturing excellence. We promise to continue to strive to be a high performance company and merit this valuable award. We will continue to support our community and our customers at the highest levels," said John Shiraishi, KMA President.
    When making the award Gov. Perdue noted Kubota's 14-year investment in Georgia's economy. KMA affiliate Kubota Tractor Corporation (KTC) recently opened an all-new Research and Development lab and tractor assembly line in Oakwood, Georgia, adding to the company's presence. Kubota also maintains a regional office and parts center in nearby Suwanee, Ga.
    KMA manufactures and assembles Kubota lawn tractors, zero-turn mowers, sub-compact tractors, loaders, backhoes and other implements at the 151-acre Gainesville plant. The company employs 1200 workers. Two master buildings offer 616,000 square feet of manufacturing space.
    Today, one-third of all Kubota branded equipment sold in the United States is manufactured or assembled in Georgia. "Our state's ability to attract and maintain high quality manufacturers is a testament to our economic and business environment," said Gov. Perdue.
    KMA is a subsidiary of Kubota Corporation, Japan and an affiliate of Kubota Tractor Corporation (KTC), the distributor of Kubota products in the United States. KTC President, Nobu Toshikuni noted, "This award is significant for KMA and for KTC's national dealer body. The professional grade equipment KMA manufactures in Georgia is now sold across the United States and internationally. Our dealers and their customers benefit directly from KMA's success. We are proud of our colleagues and Georgia's recognition."

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