Tractor manufacturer Kubota Corp. opened a 522,000-square-foot, $73 million, manufacturing facility on its Kubota Industrial Equipment campus in Jefferson, Georgia. The plant, located on a 88-acre site, recently began production of Kubota’s 30- to 50-horsepower compact tractor models.

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 hundreds of new jobs to support the production capacity of 22,000 units annually.

“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. “Our goal is to efficiently deliver quality products that provide value to our customers, and with the expanded capabilities that our new plant will deliver, we can achieve that goal today and into the future.”

Kubota began doing business in Georgia approximately 40 years ago, with its first operations located in Norcross. Since that time, Kubota 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.

“Georgia is proud to join with Kubota today in celebrating one of our state’s greatest business success stories,” said Gov. Nathan Deal. “Kubota’s record of consistent growth has contributed to the quality of life for countless Georgia families as well as the overall health of our economy. This expansion will further help to make Georgia the No. 1 place in the country in which to do business.” The Georgia Department of Economic Development partnered with the development authorities of Jefferson and Jackson County and the city of Jefferson to manage the KIE expansion.

“We are honored that Kubota has decided to expand its presence in the city of Jefferson,” said Jefferson Mayor Jim Joiner. “Kubota has been an excellent corporate citizen and we look forward to our continued partnership involving this third expansion in the McClure Industrial Park. Creating much needed jobs in our community is a priority of the city of Jefferson. We welcome Kubota’s expansion and the new jobs that will be added to their operations.”

“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.”