Shared Values and Strategic Alignment Drove the Acquisition
MARKHAM, ON, May 13, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - Kubota Corporation, Osaka, Japan, announced today that it has entered into an agreement to purchase Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc., based in Salina, Kansas. Once complete, the purchase will expand the long-time alliance with Land Pride and will include all five Great Plains divisions with multiple facilities in Kansas and a manufacturing plant in Sleaford, England.
Since 2007, Kubota has worked closely with Land Pride to provide quality, performance-matched implements to Kubota dealers and customers across the U.S. and Canada. "Through our Canadian marketing alliance, we've learned that Land Pride products are a great fit for our tractors, our dealers and our brand here in Canada. This acquisition will strengthen our ability to deliver high quality products to our customers and continue our strategic growth into new markets," said Kubota Canada Ltd. President, Bob Hickey.
For the foreseeable future, all five Great Plains divisions will continue to operate as they have with their infrastructure intact and with respect to the distinctiveness of the brands, trademarks and operational strengths. Doing so will allow employees, dealers and customers to interact with the same great companies they have come to know and trust.
Roy Applequist, Great Plains' founder and chairman, will remain on the leadership team to help guide the operations and facilitate a seamless transition. "My plan is to play a significant role in helping Great Plains become a vital part of the Kubota family," said Applequist. "Great Plains' leadership position in the agricultural implement business has been earned by striving to do our best in satisfying our customers' needs, and we are confident that teaming up with Kubota will allow us to continue to uphold this tradition."
Partnering with Mr. Applequist in overseeing and managing the transition is Linda Salem, president of Great Plains Manufacturing. "I've worked alongside Roy for 26 years, and I intend to carry forward the entrepreneurial and successful legacy that he has created at Great Plains," expressed Salem. "I've also worked collaboratively with Kubota for over 10 years, which has allowed us to create a foundation for a strong working relationship that we will continue to build as we move forward."
The partnership further builds on Kubota's presence in Kansas where the company recently announced the establishment of its North American Distribution Center in Edgerton, Kansas, which serves as the primary distribution hub for Kubota parts and whole goods across the U.S. The company's expanding presence in the region well-equips it to complete a seamless transition to ensure existing Great Plains and Land Pride customers continue to receive the same reliable and professional support they are accustomed to.
About Kubota Canada Ltd.
Kubota Canada Ltd. is the Canadian marketer and distributor of Kubota corporation-branded equipment, including a complete line of tractors up to 171 HP, performance-matched implements, compact and utility-class tractors and construction equipment, landscaping and public work equipment, residential lawn and garden equipment, commercial turf products and utility vehicles.
About Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc.
Great Plains Manufacturing was founded in 1976 by Roy Applequist and employs over 1,400 people in eight Kansas communities and Sleaford, England. It encompasses five divisions: Great Plains Ag, which manufactures seedbed preparation, nutrient application, and seed placement equipment; Land Pride, which manufactures grounds maintenance tools such as mowers, rototillers, rotary cutters, and dirt-working equipment; Great Plains International, which sells the company's products worldwide; Great Plains Trucking, which operates a nationwide fleet of flatbed trucks; and Great Plains Acceptance Corporation, which finances the company's products. Great Plains Mfg., Inc., is headquartered in Salina, Kansas.
SOURCE Kubota Canada Ltd.
Image with caption: "Logo: Kubota Canada Ltd. (CNW Group/Kubota Canada Ltd.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160513_C3779_PHOTO_EN_689453.jpg
Image with caption: "Logo: Great Plains (CNW Group/Kubota Canada Ltd.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160513_C3779_PHOTO_EN_689591.jpg
or to schedule an interview with a Kubota Canada's spokesperson: Laurence Therrien, Massy Forget Langlois Public Relations, 514 842-2455, ext. 26, [email protected]
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