The History of Kubota Canada Ltd.

The Beginning of Kubota

Gonshiro Kubota established a foundry as what is now known as Kubota Corporation in 1890., producing some of Japan’s finest cast-iron pipes. Over the next few decades, the company would begin producing engines and various agro-industrial tools and machines.

The Start of Tractors

The 1960’s saw the development and commercialization of tractors for field crops. This helped kickstart the full-scale entry into the environmental improvement business, starting with paddy field tractors and combines towards the end of the decade. 

Kubota would enter the North American tractor market in 1972, starting in the United States.

Kubota Arrives in Canada

Kubota Tractor Canada Ltd. is founded in Markham, Ontario on Steelcase Road. 

The L Series of tractors were the first models available in Canada. Signing up the first dealers entailed door knocking in those early days. It was a lot of work, but it would soon start to pay off.

The First Dealerships

Kubota Tractor Canada Ltd. started signing its first dealer agreements in the year following its incorporation. Many of those first dealerships are still a part of the Kubota family today, with Fort Equipment Ltd. in Nova Scotia being the longest standing dealership. By the end of the decade, thirteen dealer agreements serving four provinces would be signed.

The company celebrated its first year of business and invited the top dealers in the country on a trip to Japan. They toured the Kubota headquarters and factory plant, visited important cultural monuments and planted a red maple tree in the International Garden outside the global headquarters.

Making an Impact

Kubota Tractor Canada Ltd. attended Canada’s Farm Show for the first time, showcasing its lineup of powerful compact tractors. Interest in Kubota products started to grow and more dealerships would start to sign agreements with the company.

Breaking Into New Opportunities

Kubota broke into the turf category with the introduction of the G Series lawn and garden tractors. Loved by residential and commercial customers alike, these products opened further opportunities for the company.

Growing in Canada

Kubota Tractor Canada Ltd. moves into its second office on Denison in Markham. This new facility offered more office space and a large warehouse to handle the growing Kubota business in Canada. A ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration was held with Kubota Corporation executives in attendance.

The KH Series compact excavators were introduced, one of Kubota’s first construction lines for the Canadian market. The GM of Sales spearheaded the effort to get construction equipment in dealerships and soon thereafter, the KH10 and KH18 were on their way to becoming the best-selling compact excavators in the world.

A New Name, Same Identity

Kubota Tractor Canada Ltd. changes its name to Kubota Canada Ltd. (KCL).

100 Years of Kubota Corporation

As Kubota Corporation celebrates its 100-year anniversary, Kubota Canada Ltd. holds one of its largest National Dealer Meetings in Victoria, British Columbia.

Supporting Quebec Dealers

Recognizing the importance and strength of the Quebec market and dealer group, Kubota Canada Ltd. proudly opened their Drummondville satellite location to better serve the dealers in the province.

There’s a Kubota Dealership Near You 

The Kubota Canada Ltd. dealership network grows to fifty dealers, serving all the provinces and Yukon Territory.

The Lineup Continues to Grow

Kubota would introduce the Grand L Series of tractors as the company gained more recognition for its superior quality and innovation. The M Series would also be expanded later in the decade, along with more specialty model tractors offerings.

Deepening Roots in Markham 

Kubota Canada Ltd. moves into its brand-new Markham head office on 14th avenue. This new 173,100 sq ft facility consists of a 154,600 sq ft warehouse/distribution space and 18,500 sq ft of office space. The company would have the capability to host seminars and training for dealers and salespeople and allowed for greater control over warehousing and distribution.

Expanding Into New Markets

The BX Series general-use sub-compact is introduced. The ZD Series diesel engine zero-turn mowers were also brought to the residential and commercial markets.

RTVs Everywhere

The RTV Utility Vehicle debuts to fulfill a market need for an industrial quality utility vehicle.

Building Up the Construction Lineup and Dealership Network

The Kubota Canada Ltd. dealer network celebrates its 100th dealership in Canada.

Continuing its expansion into untapped markets and offering more quality made options to customers, Kubota introduces the SVL series of compact track loaders to their compact construction lineup. With the SVL line success, the company would bring to market the SSV Skid Steer Loaders, further cementing their place in the construction market.

Making Strides in Big Ag

Kubota Canada Ltd. reaches 100 full time employees as the company continues to see growth and success in the country. 

Kubota purchases Kverneland Group and soon after begins marketing hay tools under the Kubota trade name in Canada.

#1 in Dealer Satisfaction

Kubota Canada Ltd. moves into their newest office and warehouse in Drummondville, Quebec.

Kubota earns the North American Equipment Dealers Association Dealer’s Choice Award (NAEDA) and is named #1 in dealer satisfaction.

Introducing the Cube 

Kubota Canada Ltd. introduces the new Kubota Dealer Image program. Under this program, dealership showrooms are expanded, new brand elements are applied, and the iconic Kubota “Cube” is proudly displayed on top of the new building. The program continues into 2025 with several projects in progress. 

For a second year in a row Kubota earns the NAEDA Dealers Choice Awards.

Celebrating Kubota in North America Together

Kubota Canada Ltd. welcomes its 150th full time employee.

KCL joins their US counterpart Kubota Tractor Corporation and holds a joint National Dealer Meeting, now named Kubota CONNECT in Atlanta, Georgia. Every year, dealers, staff and suppliers gather to celebrate the year that was, learn about upcoming product launches, strategize and much more. This event is always a highlight of the year as KCL staff and dealers have the opportunity to build and strengthen their connections with each other and further push the Kubota brand forward together.  

Kubota introduces the M7 Series, mid-range tractors in the 130 to 170 horsepower range for commercial livestock and row-crop production markets.

Meeting Canadian Needs

Kubota Canada Ltd. invests in a cold weather testing facility in Timmins, Ontario.

Kubota announces the purchase of Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc., based in Salina, Kansas. This acquisition builds on the long-term business relationship with Land Pride and includes all five Great Plains divisions with facilities in Kansas and a plant in Sleaford, England.

Building a New Home

Kubota Canada Ltd. celebrates the Groundbreaking for its future Pickering Head Office.

The company grows to 200 employees and sees continued growth with an expanding dealer network across the country. 

Kubota previews the all-new M8 Series. The M8 Series is Kubota's breakthrough tractor lineup boasting over 200 engine horsepower.

Expanding Horizons into Big Ag

Kubota Canada Ltd. announces that the Kubota Canadian dealer network will become the primary distributors of both Kverneland and Great Plains equipment, parts and service for Canada.

A New Place to Call Home

Kubota Canada Ltd. moves into their brand new, state of the art Head Office in Pickering, Ontario. This new facility boasts 65,000 sq ft of office and training space as well as a 500,000 sq ft warehouse.

Setting the Bar in Dealer Network Satisfaction

Kubota Canada Ltd. is awarded its 5th North American Equipment Dealers Association Dealer’s Choice Award in Dealer Satisfaction for Full Line Manufacturer, the third award in as many years. These awards are a testament to KCL’s commitment and service to its dealership network.

Building Legacy

Kubota Canada Ltd. celebrates its 50th anniversary on January 23rd, 2025, alongside 250 employees and 144 dealerships nationwide.