Kubota to increase excavator production
10 October 2022
Reflecting strong global demand, Kubota Corporation has unveiled plans for a £100 million expansion of its Hirakata Plant, the company’s main mini excavator manufacturing facility in Japan, significantly enhancing its production capacity.
This will see Kubota increase its annual production capability by more than 60 per cent, from 48,000 to 78,000 units, helping tackle not only the high demand across Europe and North America, but also the future sales growth predicted in Asia and other emerging markets.
As part of the development, an entirely new building will be erected to focus on the painting and assembly of machines, streamlining the manufacturing process and creating more workspace allowing for more machining and welding equipment.
Kubota expects the start of operations for the assembly line to commence in Q4 2024, with the painting line becoming operational a year later.
The new facility will incorporate technology to enhance its green credentials. The painting process will adopt an environmentally friendly powder that minimises paint loss and significantly reduces volatile organic compounds (VOC), as well as preventing rust.
Kubota will also reuse the heat generated by these coating processes and employ solar power generation equipment installed on the roof of the building.
