Monthly Archives: March 2014

By JIM FALL Executive editor, Maryville Daily Forum http://www.maryvilledailyforum.com/news-business-industry/kawasaki-marks-8-millionth-engine Amid a shower of balloons floating down from the ceiling, a traditional Japanese toast, and special recognition from Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. President Shigehiko Kiyama, employees and managers at the Kawasaki facility in Maryville celebrated production of the plant’s eight-millionth engine at 2:45 Friday afternoon. Regular production at the Maryville plant was halted at 2:15 p.m. for the historic observance, and three long-time employees participated in the actual rollout of the latest engine, assisted by Steve Bratt, Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp. U.S.A. vice president and plant manager. One of three employees given special recognition. Paul Walter had the honor of actually pushing engine No. 8,000,000 off Line 2. Senior employees Tim Melvin, assistant production manager, and Bob Staashelm, research and development manager, also participated in the ceremony with Bratt and other high-ranking company officials. Employees at the Maryville plant were recognized by Shigehiko Kiyama, president of Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd., the local plant’s Japanese parent company, “for outstanding efforts in having the best production in the United States of America.” Kawasaki in Maryville employees 834 full-time worker and approximately 280 additional temporary workers. The plant is currently operating three shifts per day, and working seven days per week in the foundry and machining area, Bratt said during an interview Monday. This will be a record year for engines produced, and sales, although “because our year runs from April 1 to March 31, I don’t know the exact figure yet,” Bratt said. “Without the workforce we have available to us here in northwest Missouri and southwestern Iowa, Kawasaki would not be where we are today,” Bratt added to Kiyama’s accolades for the local employee pool. “They have tremendous dedication to their jobs and wholehearted concerns about what they are doing.” The Kawasaki plant opened in 1989 in Maryville in the former Uniroyal facility and produced its 1,000,000th engine in 1995. The five-millionth unit rolled off the local production line in June 2007. The size of the building when Kawasaki moved in was “something under 300,000 square feet,” according to Bratt. Now, “after at least 10 additions I can think of, we are just shy of 800,000.” Located near the south Maryville city limits, the plant sits on a campus of just over 113 acres. The main Maryville product line consists of three sizes of engines for power lawnmowers ranging from heavy-duty commercial zero-turn-radius riding units to residential-size mowers and tractors. When production first began locally, the sole product was a 6.5-horsepower engine made specifically for John Deere push mowers. Engine sizes now range from 12- to 32-horsepower.

Greater Southern Nodaway County Community Foundation (GSNCCF), an affiliate of Nodaway County Economic Development (NCED), has received a HEAL Grant, funding to the amount of $11,344.50, for their SN Fitness project, from HEALTHY PARTNERSHIPS (a partnership of Heartland Foundation, Heartland Health, and North Kansas City Hospital). All parties are committed to improving the health of residents in this region. Sue Nothstine (GSNCCF) and Lisa Macali (NCED), along with other recipients, were presented an award certificate at the Heartland Foundation board meeting/luncheon, held on Wednesday, February 25, 2014 in St. Joseph. This fitness project promotes healthy eating and active living through creation of a SN Fitness Club for community members of all ages. South Nodaway students will be provided weekly exercise opportunities by visiting the Maryville Community Center. This unique partnering combines local volunteers, staff, and facilities with Maryville Parks and Recreation services, where gym equipment, basketball courts and walking track are available despite the weather. NWMSU college interns will work with students each Monday throughout the 2014-2015 school year.  Simultaneously, the adult club members will share a weekly exercise/education session at the Barnard Christian Church, followed by helping to prepare and serve a light healthy meal for the youngsters upon their return from Maryville. Monthly, parents of the participating students will be invited to share a delicious hot, healthy meal with their children and are treated to innovative educational sessions on how to incorporate healthy eating/active living into their daily lives. The result is a community team effort which is fun, educational, and effectively hits at all age levels. GSNCCF wishes to thank Maryville Parks and Recreation, Barnard Christian Church, South Nodaway School , and Longhorn PTO, for generously partnering with us in this endeavor.