Japanese Traditions Celebrated at Opening of Great Plains Facility

Three barrels of sake were broken during an international affair and grand opening at the Japanese parent company of Salina-based Great Plains Manufacturing construction equipment facility.

Dignitaries including U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, Gov. Laura Kelly, Great Plains President and CEO Linda Salem and executives from the Kubota Corporation, the Japanese parent company of Salina-based Great Plains, joined others on stage for the ceremonial Kagami biraki to “offer good fortune” as the facility celebrated this new chapter.

“A little over two years ago, we announced that we were purchasing this building and established our (construction equipment) division in the Great Plains Manufacturing family,” Salem said.

This grand opening marked the continued success of Kansas, and Salina, in bringing economic development to the community from partners around the globe.

Yuichi Kitao, president and representative director of Kubota, traveled to Salina from Japan to offer some remarks about the opening of the facility.

“It is a great honor to celebrate the opening of the GPM construction equipment with (other guests),” Kitao said. “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to those who have been involved in launching (this facility).”

Source: Salina Journal