Our History
Kubota was first established in 1890 as a foundry. In 1922 the first kerosene engine was introduced for use in the agricultural market. Since then Kubota engines have continued to evolve and thrive around the world. Below is a historical view of how Kubota engines and how KEA came to be established in 1998 in the United States.
1890
Kubota Corporation established as a foundry.
1922
Produced the first horizontal, liquid-cooled kerosene engine for agricultural use.
1937
Sakai Plant established for exclusive engine production.
1950
Started production of first horizontal engine.
1975
Tsukuba Plant established.
1982
U.S. Engine Division established within Kubota Tractor Corp. in Elk Grove Village, IL.
1985
Established Sakai Rinkai Plant exclusive for engine production.
1987
Reached production of the 10 millionth engine.
1993
Introduced the D1105-E diesel engine.
1994
Sakai, Tsukuba, and Sakai Rinkai plants earned ISO9002 Quality Management Certification.
1995
Production began on engines compliant with California Air Resources Board (CARB) emission regulations.
1997
Tsukuba plant earned ISO14001 Certification of the Environmental Management System.
1998
100,000 engines sold in the U.S.
U.S. Engine Division became independent from Kubota Tractor Corp. Kubota Engine America (KEA), established in Lincolnshire, IL.
1999
Started production of engines in compliance with the U.S. EPA.
Sakai Rinkai and Sakai Plant achieved ISO14001 Certification.
2001
Development of the water-cooled gasoline and dual (gasoline/LP gas) fuel engines in compliance with the U.S. LSI emission regulations.
2002
KEA Dyno Lab underwent several upgrades to mirror Kubota Corporation’s facilities.
2004
Over 200,000 engines sold in the U.S.
KEA starts to sell Kubota-brand diesel generators.
2009
KEA Dyno Lab underwent several upgrades to mirror Kubota Corporation’s facilities.
2012
Introduced the WG1605, 1.5 Liter LSI engine.
Introduced the V3800-CR-T, Interim Tier 4/Stage IIIB compliant engine.
Building expansion at KEA for a total of 178,000 square feet.
2015
Introduction of WG3800.
Kubota Engine Division, Canada becomes part of KEA.
2016
Launch of Kubota Engine Academy.
Introduced new GL14000.
2018
20th anniversary celebration for KEA.