Kubota celebrates key anniversary

Kubota has celebrated a key anniversary.
By MJ Woof April 23, 2020 Read time: 1 min
Kubota has remained a leader in the field for compact construction machines and small diesel engines

Engine and compact machine specialist Kubota Corporation recently celebrated its 130th anniversary. The company started its operations in 1890, manufacturing Japan's first iron pipelines for waterworks.

The firm’s founder, Gonshiro Kubota, laid the foundations of a company that is now one of the major players in the industry. Starting off as a foundry, Kubota soon became an important player in the construction equipment sector.

Over time, the company expanded its business along with its range of services and products. In 1922 it started producing kerosene-driven engines for agro-industrial use. In 1974, Kubota introduced its own compact mini excavator, becoming a leader in the field. By 1998, Kubota had extended its agricultural machinery business further as part of its internationalisation strategy and had also established a manufacturing and sales operation in China.

Yuichi Kitao, president and representative director of Kubota Corporation recently highlighted the core values of the company as a tribute to its founder: “On the occasion of our 130th anniversary, it would be amiss of us to not remind ourselves of our founding principles and that ‘there will be no growth without innovation’ “.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Market bullish at bauma China 2016 exhibition
    February 1, 2017
    Key manufacturers reported a return to business confidence in China at the recent bauma China 2016 construction equipment exhibition The event was held at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) and attracted 170,000 visitors from 149 countries, despite the cold weather and constant rain that plagued its first two days. The healthy attendance is a reflection of the gradually improving Chinese market. The Chinese economy suffered a slump in business levels in recent years, following a boom per
    Read More
  • LiuGong is investing in product development and manufacturing
    October 11, 2013
    LiuGong has been investing heavily in manufacturing and product development, as well as building international distribution – vice president David Beatenbough spoke with Mike Woof One of Chinese leading producers of wheeled loaders, LiuGong has an increasingly international flavour. The company has perhaps a larger contingent of North American and European executives and employees working in China than most of its competitors in the country.
    Read More
  • Boom in Asian infrastructure investment
    February 8, 2012
    Investment in China and India continues unabated, but other nations on the continent are eager to attract companies as Patrick Smith reports Asia is still booming despite the current economic crisis, and new infrastructure programmes are constantly coming on stream. Powerhouses China and India, with their double-digit growth figures and huge infrastructure plans (in scope and cost), are leading the way and are still magnets for businesses wishing to expand, both in terms of facilities and customers. But oth
    Read More
  • Sunward’s specialisation and export focus
    January 6, 2017
    For Sunward, specialisation and exports have been key – Mike Woof writes Sunward is one Chinese manufacturer that intends to further boost its presence in the export sector. The company has been successful in China and is now gearing up its export business, having had a major presence at various international exhibitions in recent years. He Jian of the firm said, “Now we are focussing on the international market and we want the brand to be more international.” The company was one of the first Chinese manuf
    Read More

Highlighted Content