Kubota Corp. recently expanded its operations with the opening of a new manufacturing facility in Jefferson, Ga. The company plans to produce about 70,000 tractor implements annually and employ about 500 people.

Kubota celebrated an open house Feb. 10 to launch the new 400,000-square-foot facility.

“With U.S. sales having surpassed a total of 1 million units, we anticipate continued growth in Kubota tractor and product sales,” said Daisuke Hatakake, president of Kubota Corp. “Kubota Industrial Equipment, our newest manufacturing plant, is a world-class operation that will help us meet increasing dealer and customer demands for high-quality Kubota products.”

“Initially, this KIE plant will manufacture tractor implements such as loaders and backhoes, which will complement Kubota Manufacturing of America’s production of subcompact BX Series tractors, lawn and garden tractors, zero-turn mowers and the new RTV900 utility vehicle,” added Hank Kawasaki, president of KIE Corp.

The mayor of Jefferson, the commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the consul general of Japan and various other dignitaries attended the grand opening.

Kubota Tractor Corp., based in Torrance, Calif., and KIE area affiliates of Japan-based Kubota Corp.