COLUMBUS, Ohio (August 25, 2005) - After two years of meticulous planning, building and mounting excitement, Kubota Tractor Corporation (KTC) celebrated the grand opening of its new Northern Division office, warehouse and distribution facility in Groveport, Ohio on August 24, 2005.

The new facility will enhance the company's ability to meet growing production and sales demands for Kubota's popular trademark-orange tractors, related implements and accessories throughout Kubota's Northern Division. The Northern Division employs over 85 people and provides sales, marketing, distribution, finance, service and parts support for Kubota's dealers and their customers in 15 states.

Located on 25-acres at Groveport Commerce Center, the 290,000-square-foot facility has 25,000 square feet of office space and, with adjacent undeveloped land, the building can be expanded by an additional 150,000 square feet in the future.

"We're really excited about this grand opening," said Ted Pederson, senior director and division manager for KTC's Northern Division. "The new facility will assist us in enhancing our operations to better serve our dealers and their customer base more quickly and efficiently than ever."

Duke Realty Corporation of Columbus and its construction subsidiary were responsible for design and construction of the new building. Jeff Palmquist, vice president of Industrial Leasing for Duke, described it as a great addition to the Village of Groveport and Duke's Groveport Commerce Center.

"We're very proud of our contribution in making this happen," said Palmquist. "Kubota's new facility has a very attractive office exterior and the landscaping includes some beautiful features, such as the fountains and waterfall at the main building. Best of all, it really benefits the greater Columbus business community."

Jeff Green, Groveport's Economic Development Director, added: "The ability to attract a company of Kubota's caliber is yet another indication of the growing confidence in this community as a world-class location in which to do business."

During the grand opening ceremony, Kubota presented the Village of Groveport with a 22 horsepower BX2230 sub-compact tractor with loader. The event incorporated a ribbon cutting ceremony, lunch and concluded with facility tours. The ceremony was highlighted by an address from Kubota's President Tetsuji "Mike" Tomita. Other remarks were made by local dignitaries including the Mayor of the Village Groveport, Lance Westcamp, and the Senior VP of Duke Realty, Jeff Palmquist.

Kubota Tractor Corporation (KTC) is the United States marketer and distributor of Kubota branded equipment including a complete line of tractors up to 103 PTO horsepower, performance matched implements, compact construction equipment, consumer lawn and garden equipment, commercial turf products and utility vehicles. Kubota has operated in the Columbus area since 1979 and has been located within the Foreign Trade Zone for the past ten years.

Groveport Commerce Center is a 382-acre, 4 million-square-foot master planned industrial park located with convenient access to Rickenbacker International Airport. The Village of Groveport offers a 15-year, 100 percent real property tax abatement, representing a direct savings to tenants of approximately $0.45 per square foot per year over other areas. In addition, Kubota's facility at Groveport is part of the recently expanded Rickenbacker Free Trade Zone.