Kubota Expansion Begins

The Packet & Times -

The earth moved outside Kubota Metal Corporation (KMC) on Commerce Road Friday, as an expansion project was officially launched.

Officials from the local manufacturing plant were joined by representatives from head office in Japan and city officials for a groundbreaking ceremony.

“The meaning of a groundbreaking in Japan is to pray,” explained Kubota president Kaoru Hamada. “We pray for everyone’s safety, for everyone involved in the construction and for the new project to start safely.

“I especially pray for this project and the safety of everyone working here on this building.”

KMC is expanding its Orillia operation, building a new 39,000-square-foot facility designed to manufacture an environmentally friendly material used in the production of automotive brake pads.

The $12.4-million plant will produce TXAX-brand friction material for use in the production of brake pads. The material is a non-hazardous alternative to asbestos, which has historically been used in the manufacturing of brake pads.

Orillia Mayor Angelo Orsi said the expansion project is exhilarating.

“To see that Kubota recognizes our city as having potential to be helping out the world market is very exciting,” Orsi said at the ceremony. “The city is behind you all the way.”

KMC purchased the Commerce Road plant in 1990 and currently employs about 300 people. The new plant will expand the manufacturing capabilities of KMC, adding the production of a material currently made in Japan.

“This is the first time it will be manufactured outside of Japan,” explained Matthew Webb, manager of customer service. “It will bring a lot of mechanical jobs, skilled jobs.”

Construction will begin immediately and last until late October. The plant is scheduled to begin operations in April 2013, employing 15 people in Phase 1 and up to 20 at full operation.

Ron Higgs is vice-president of manufacturing at the Orillia location and also lives in the city.

“I am obviously very excited to see this manufacturing facility expand,” he said. “We have had some tough times in the... past 39 years that I have been here. We have lost a lot of manufacturing jobs in the city.”

He thanked the “long-term and loyal” KMC employees for their dedication to the company and the manufacturing industry.

“Our hearts are with manufacturing and we do consider this site to be one of the best in the world.”