“One Kubota ” and “On Your Side ” - Together We Can Bring About Innovation! - Yuichi Kitao, President and Representative Director, Kubota Corporation

Happy New Year, everyone! On January 1, 2020, I assumed the office President and Representative Director of Kubota Corporation. I fully understand the magnitude of the responsibilities I have accepted and stand ready to lead this great Company. I will uphold the time-proven Corporate Principles of the Kubota Group and advance them even further with help from each and every one of our incredible employees, in order to realize a true Global Major Brand (GMB) Kubota.

Without question we are living through a time of uncertainty and turbulent change. With respect to our business, I foresee formidable future challenges in the areas of Food, Water, and the Environment over the next ten years. While I feel threatened by the rough waters ahead of us that could change the very structure and fabric of our business, I also see them as a great opportunity for business growth. For the Kubota Group to take advantage of this, it is important that we utilize new technologies and talented resources from both within the company and outside of it to “transform ourselves from a provider of individual products to a provider of total solutions.” Our Founder Gonshiro Kubota said, “Our products mean nothing if they are not useful for the good of society, no matter how technically excellent they are.  Thus, we need to put all of our eorts and hearts into manufacturing our products.” This is in alignment with our Corporate Social Responsibilities. On the occasion of the 130th anniversary of our establishment, we shall give thought to our founding principles and once again remind ourselves that “there will be no growth without innovation.” Let ʼs stand together during these times of great uncertainty by upholding our Founder ʼs words, “If you try hard, you can get it done. Do not be afraid of making mistakes.”

I have two deep-rooted philosophies that I wish to share with you: “One Kubota ” and “On Your Side. ” “One Kubota,” is the core belief that every member of the company – whether you work in R&D, production, sales and service, administration, etc. ̶ is essential to our group. Together, we can tackle various challenges and accomplish new heights, more than we could every do on our own. is philosophy must be ingrained in our DNA to deliver integrated and collaborative solutions, technological advancements and unique customer value in every segment of our business, rather than being constrained by existing business domains.

To be “On Your Side,” each and every employee must reconsider what we do each day, ensure we are incorporating the needs of the market into all our products and services, and look at it through the eyes or perspective of the customer (a “market-in” approach). We need to help them locate latent issues, provide solutions and deliver tangible value to their business and/or daily lifestyle. If we dedicate ourselves to the tenets of this principle, we will inherently begin to see an increase in innovations as we help our customers with problem-solving solutions.

I have long cherished these two philosophies, and I am passionate and determined to lead us into the future under the guidance of these values. I want you to join me in bringing about change and innovation to the future of Kubota to lay the foundation for continued prosperity in the decade to come.

The Kubota Global team is roughly 40,000 members strong – and, together, if we all collectively embrace these spirits and contribute new ideas in harmony, we will realize GMB Kubota. You have my trust and full support in accomplishing these endeavors.

What Do You Know About Kitao-san?  Learn More

Region Meeting & Social Gathering with Overseas Subsidiaries

Overseas managements in Farm & Industrial Machinery Division got together for regional meetings during January 14 to 17 to discuss management issues with Kubota managements.
 
Based on the concept of the regional headquarters, which includes ASEAN HQs have started fully this year , we shared issues for each region of North America, Europe, China, ASEAN and India, such as EDA evaluation improvement activities in North America, Sales expansion strategy of tractor in Europe, Mid-term sales strategy in China.

At the social gathering held on January 17, the managers and local executives of overseas subsidiaries gathered. This event brought as many as 70 participants a lively interaction beyond the regions, and helped enhancing the bond under the slogan of "One Kubota."

130th Anniversary Ceremony and “Kubota New Year Session” were held in Kyoto, Japan

This year, 130th Anniversary Ceremony was held on the same day with “Kubota New Year Session”. 
 
Mr. Kitao delivered his message and stated to prepare with long-term vision "GMB2030" to all the employees of the Kubota Group.

In the ceremony, it was also introduced Kubota’s history through the founder Gonshiro Kubota’s biography as a play. In addition, 9 Next Innovators from the Kubota Group around the world came up the stage. They presented the picture of Kubota in 2030 which was drawn by each of them.

After that “Kubota New Year Session” was held from January 15 to 16 in Kyoto, Japan. This session is a platform to express messages of 2020 to all the employees and stakeholders of the Kubota Group.

Kelcey Cockrell, Product Manager for Compact Tractors in Grapevine, represented KTC at the Kubota New Year Session. She, along with other division representatives, presented her view of Kubota in 2030. Kelcey believes the key to achieving the goal is working together, technology, system development and community involvement.



KTC was awarded the “Best Oversea Sales Company of Kubota” for 2019 at the Kubota New Year Session., Todd Stucke accepted the award presented by Ken Kitao, on behalf of KTC.




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