Companies in the News: Updates from Kubota, Ruppert, Hunter Industries and more

Kubota’s new R&D Center in Gainesville, Ga. (Photo: Kubota)

Kubota celebrated the grand opening of its new 280-acre Research and Development Center in Gainesville, Ga. Kubota has invested more than $85 million to bring the new facility online and will open with 70 engineering and technical employees and grow to nearly 200 employees over the next five years.

“Constant investment in our North America infrastructure keeps Kubota evolving and forward-looking,” said Yuichi “Ken” Kitao, president and representative director of Kubota.

The company said renewable energy powers this new center.

Unilock celebrates 50 years

In 1972, Ed Bryant brought the Uni-Stone paving stone to North America. That paving stone was also the catalyst to the founding of Unilock, which is celebrating yet another important milestone: 50 years of paving it forward.

“Unilock was founded by my father, Ed, on the spirit of innovation, entrepreneurship and strong partnerships set upon a foundation of integrity, trust and a unique family-oriented culture,” said Andrew Bryant, Unilock president and CEO and son of late founder Ed Bryant. “For five decades, we have been setting the gold standard for the hardscape industry, and today, that culture and heartbeat are still fresh, strong and evident in every aspect of our operation.”

Ruppert presents annual awards

Ruppert Landscape, No. 8 on the 2021 LM150 list, honored employees as the company presented its annual awards during a virtual ceremony. The program featured 2021 highlights from company leadership and recognition of employees celebrating significant years of service.

Awards presented included the Clyde Vadner Merit Award, given to Ethan Brown, branch manager in Alexandria, Va. The Vadner award is presented to an individual who contributed consistent hard work, dedication and job skills that helped shape the company.

Marvin Clermont, assistant branch manager of Ruppert’s Tennessee branch, earned the company’s Achievement Award. The award is given to the employee who contributed significantly throughout the year.

Facility manager Bill Law won the Distinction Award, given to an employee who shows dedication and devotion to the company’s ideals.

Twenty-eight others earned Branch Impact Awards.

Hunter to raise funds for Ukraine

Hunter Industries announced plans to help provide financial assistance to the people of Ukraine.

“As an organization, we have donated to … Benevity to support their relief efforts through nonprofit organization Nova Ukraine,” said the company in a release.

Members of Hunter’s preferred program can also donate their points to Benevity through Aug. 1 at vault.hunterindustries.com.

Bobcat names Dealer Leadership Group

Bobcat recently announced its 2022 Dealer Leadership Group (DLG). The 19 Bobcat dealerships honored this year are the highest-performing dealers, according to the company’s Dealer Performance Review.

“We are pleased to honor these dealerships for their excellent performance and commitment to exceeding customer expectations,” said Jeremy Holck, vice president of sales for Bobcat. “Our dealers continue to raise the bar for success and lead best practices in our industry, so this year we are honoring more dealers than ever in the Bobcat Dealer Leadership Group.”

Representatives from the DLG will meet with Bobcat senior leadership throughout the year to provide insights and feedback as the voice of the dealer network. To recognize and celebrate the achievements of the DLG, Bobcat will also honor members at a dealer incentive trip to Hawaii later this year.

Scepter designates April 17 – 24 Turf Pros Week

Scepter has designated the week of April 17-24 Turf Pros Week in recognition of hardworking turf professionals.

Scepter claims that one way it celebrates turf pros is by making their jobs easier with the Duramax fuel caddy and SmartControl fuel cans.