Kubota Corporation today announced the grand opening of its new $73 million manufacturing facility at Kubota Industrial Equipment (KIE) in Jefferson, Ga. The 522,000-square-foot plant on the 88-acre site recently began production of Kubota's 30- to 50-horsepower compact tractor models. The grand opening event was co-sponsored by Kubota Tractor Corporation, the U.S. marketer and distributor of Kubota tractors and equipment.

Dealers rank finding good employees among their top concerns for 2013, according to Rural Lifestyle Dealer's Business Trends and Outlook Survey.

The grand opening of the Kubota Corp.'s $73 million manufacturing facility in Jefferson on Monday may not be the last of the Japanese conglomerate's investments in Georgia.

When your electricity goes out, virtually nothing works. Water still runs from faucets and toilets flush, but furnaces and air conditioners are kaput. Sump pumps stop. If the power failed because of a storm with flooding, your basement may begin taking on water.

Recent elections saw new officers selected for the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association Board of Directors. Former Secretary/Treasurer and Government Relations Manager at Yamaha Motor Corp. Brad Franklin was elected vice chair, while Kawasaki Motors Corp. Senior Advisor of Government Relations and Public Affairs Russ Brenan takes over the role of Secretary/Treasurer. Both join returning ROHVA Chair Jan Rintamaki, director of government relations for Polaris Industries, and ROHVA President Tim Buche.

Bobcat Company has expanded its dealer network with the addition of Hoven Equipment Company as an authorized sales and service provider of Bobcat compact equipment. The dealership is located at 4181 N. Park Trail, Great Falls, Mont.

Cub Cadet, the leader in the outdoor power equipment industry, is pleased to debut a world-wide first - the only fully electric-powered zero-turn riding lawnmower with steering wheel control and four-wheel steering. An extension of the proven, award-winning RZT-S line, the incredible new RZT-S ZERO electric zero-turn rider offers premium performance, with the benefit of zero noise, zero gasoline or oil, zero gasoline emissions and zero cumbersome lap bars. Beginning in April, homeowners in select markets will have the opportunity to experience this ground-breaking new product at select dealers and as part of the Cub Cadet Test Drive Experience Tour.

More than 44% of rural lifestyle dealers expect revenues to come in ahead of 2012 levels and only 10.2% forecast lower revenues.