Kubota North America announced Wednesday plans to expand its manufacturing capacity with the construction of a $140 million facility in Gainesville.
A press release from Kubota said the new facility will expand the company's Jefferson-based Kubota Industrial Equipment operation. The $140 million facility will expand production capacity for Kubota loaders primarily for the North American Market.
The project is set to break ground this year and should be fully operational in 2024. Once complete, it will bring an additional 500 manufacturing jobs to the region.
“Today’s announcement is yet another example of our collaborative efforts with the State of Georgia to establish Gainesville as a major manufacturing hub for our North America operations,” said Mr. Shingo Hanada, President and CEO of Kubota Tractor Corporation and Kubota North America. “This is an exciting time of unprecedented growth for our company, as this new investment comes right on the heels of the grand opening of our new R&D facility in Gainesville, both of which emphasize our commitments to our dealers and customers to improve operational efficiencies and realize manufacturing excellence across all areas of our business.”
The expansion will allow Kubota to expand loader capacity and meet market demands. Phil Sutton, vice president of administration for Kubota Manufacturing of America, said they will be able to produce up to 700 loaders per day with the new facility. The facility will also free up space in the existing Jackson County facility to allow for the production of other attachments and implements for tractors and construction equipment.
Sutton said the new 650,000 square foot facility will be located on Kubota's existing property in the Gateway Industrial Centre.
“We are thrilled when companies choose to expand and reinvest in Georgia communities, and we are proud to see an outstanding partner like Kubota continue to grow their operations in our state,” said Pat Wilson, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. “Since establishing their first facility with fewer than 40 employees in 1988 to their plan to employ more than 3,500 by 2024, Kubota is the definition of a Georgia Made success story.”
Sutton said Kubota appreciates the support from local communities and the state when it comes to the growth of their operations.
Kubota North America employs more than 3,000 people across manufacturing, distribution and engineering operations at its facilities in Gainesville and Jefferson. Kubota also houses its Southeast Division office in Suwanee.
