Great Plains Manufacturing, based in Salina, has seen rapid growth in its Land Pride-branded tractor implements and Kubota-branded skid steer attachments, and has entered into a contract to purchase a 350,000-square-foot building in Abilene to expand production.

The new facility is located at 2150 NW 8th St., and is in close proximity to the existing Land Pride production plant. Land Pride is a market leader and producer of tractor and skid steer attachments for agricultural, roadside, landscape and construction industries.

"Our company has enjoyed a strong land long-term relationship with the city of Abilene. We have talented, hardworking and dedicated employees who live in the area. These employees play a vital role in the success of our company, as well as in their community. We look forward to growing our workforce in the Abilene area and continuing our strong partnership with the city," says Linda Sale, president and CEO of Great Plains Manufacturing Inc.

The Land Pride division of Great Plains began operations in 1986, and has been in Abilene since 1989 with a fully integrated manufacturing facility encompassing 191,000 square feet. The new facility will be a similar site with state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities.

"The Land Pride Division has experienced tremendous growth during the past five years," says John Quinley, Land Pride Division president. "This growth has accelerated rapidly since becoming part of the Kubota family of companies in 2016. Land Pride and Kubota branded products are made in all seven of the current Great Plains Manufacturing facilities in central Kansas. This new facility in Abilene will enable us to expand production to meet the growing demands of our dealers."

Great Plains was founded in 1976 and has more than 1,500 employees around the world. It has five divisions.

Great Plains Ag manufactures seedbed preparation, nutrient application, seed placement equipment and other farm implements. Land Pride manufactures grounds maintenance tools such as mowers, rotary tillers, rotary cutters, dirt working equipment and construction equipment attachments. Great Plains International is the sales division, selling the company’s product worldwide. Great Plains Trucking operates a nationwide fleet of over-the-road trucks. The final division, Great Plains Acceptance Corp., finances the company's products.

Source: Great Plains Manufacturing Inc.