Daedong® Industrial Company, LTD., a leader in global agricultural manufacturing, will celebrate 66 years of driving clean technologies on May 20. The anniversary comes one month after their newly launched Tier 4 ECO Engine was EPA certified, making Daedong Industrial the first South Korean Tier IV engine manufacturer to receive the certification.

Daedong Industrial has been a leader in the modernization of the agricultural industry–from producing the first cultivating machine to new environmentally friendly diesel engines. The company is now a global enterprise, comprising of local corporations in the USA, China and Europe. Daedong Industrial’s export brand, KIOTI, has revolutionized the tractor market in the United States, continuing the company’s tradition of supplying customers with the best products and service.

“We take pride in the milestones we’ve crossed since 1947, and today our technology powers countless customers in the agricultural industry,” said J.S. Kim, chairman, Daedong-USA, Inc. and vice chairman, Daedong Industrial Co., LTD. “We strive to continue to serve our customers and lead the industry with our clean, efficient machinery.”

The Daedong Research and Development Center continues to expand its products to meet the changing needs of customers, including the launch of the Daedong Tier 4 ECO Engine. This engine meets the new Tier IV regulations, which restrict PM (Particulate Matter) emissions to 10 percent less than current standards. In the new Tier 4 ECO Engine, application of the electronically controlled high pressure fuel injection system increases 20 percent output and improves fuel efficiency by more than 20 percent compared with existing engines. Daedong Industrial will supply these engines in the company’s tractors and to manufacturers of construction machineries, commercial equipment, generators and freezers.

In the future, the company plans to extend its field of research through the development of more environmentally friendly diesel engines and new products. For up-to-date product and company information, please visit http://www.daedong.co.kr/.

KIOTI Tractor is inviting you to join the pack and race with Team KIOTI at the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure on Oct. 6, 2013. From now until race day, KIOTI is raising awareness and supporting the fight against breast cancer through a special Canadian tour and giveaway of a limited edition pink tractor & UTV.

This spring, KIOTI began touring with the eye-catching, Limited Edition Pink KIOTI CS2410 Sub Compact Tractor and MECHRON 2200 Utility Vehicle. Authorized KIOTI Tractor dealer locations throughout Canada will host the tractor on its tour, spreading breast cancer awareness and welcoming new members to Team KIOTI.

The pink UTV will also be on display at the Western Farm Progress in Regina, Saskatchewan on 6/19/2013 – 6/21/2013 and the Interior Provincial Exhibition & Stampede in Armstrong, British Columbia on 8/28/2013 – 9/1/2013. The pink tractor will be on display at the Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show in Woodstock, Ontario on 9/10/2013 – 9/12/2013.

“Breast cancer has affected nearly all of us in some way — including members of our own KIOTI family,” said Peter Dong-Kyun Kim, chief executive officer of Daedong-USA, Inc. KIOTI Tractor Division. “We naturally felt compelled to join the fight and help pave the way for advanced research by drawing attention to this cause in a bold way.”

To help generate momentum for the foundation and run, the top fundraiser from Team KIOTI will take home the pink CS2410 at the end of the campaign. An additional Team KIOTI member will be picked at random to win a Limited Edition Pink KIOTI MECHRON 2200 Utility Vehicle. To join, register today on the Run for the Cure website. In order to be eligible to win, participants must join Team KIOTI.

For updates on Team KIOTI or the Canadian tour visit the KIOTI Facebook page. To donate, register or learn more about Team KIOTI, visit the team’s Run for the Cure page.

For those who live and work in and around New York City, it’s fairly common to retreat to the country on weekends to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. New Preston, Conn. has its fair share of weekend residents who live and work in the city during the week, but call the town home on the weekend. The Ingrassia Family, owners of Springhill Farm, a sprawling 330 acre estate, is one of the town’s weekend residents.

By week, the farm buzzes with activity surrounding a 275 acre hay operation and the maintenance of a 10 acre vineyard, but on the weekends, when the owners visit, recreation and relaxation are at the forefront. The property includes stables with 8 horses, a fitness facility, a vegetable garden, tennis courts and even an ice rink.

Just two years old, the ice rink on the property moved from  concept to reality when the Ingrassia’s had glycol refrigeration lines run underneath the family’s outdoor tennis court and compressors installed to pump the glycol through the lines to maintain the temperature. This gave them the ability to play tennis in the spring, summer and fall, while providing their 3 sons with a place to play hockey throughout the winter months.

Once installed, maintaining the ice rink became one of facility manager Andrew Johnson’s key responsibilities. “The rink requires a considerable amount of work to keep the ice in peak condition,” states Johnson. “In order to make its management efficient, we needed to purchase equipment specifically dedicated to maintaining the ice.”

A tractor and pull behind ice resurfacer were ultimately selected as the best combination of products for the work at hand. However, finding a tractor that could support the hefty hydraulic requirements of the resurfacer proved challenging.

“Having 4 tractors on the farm already, none fit the bill required for the management of the ice, so we started doing our homework”, states Johnson. “It didn’t take long for us to figure out that most tractors on the market would require major modifications at a considerable cost to enable them to run the resurfacer. We then came across the Kioti CK20S HST at Campbell Services in Bridgewater, Connecticut.”

The Kioti CK20S HST, a 22 horsepower compact tractor, was selected due to its heavier-weight construction, combined with the lift capacity of its rear 3-point hitch and its ability to have the tractor’s hydraulics run the resurfacer. With the exception of adding some weight onto the front of the tractor to counterbalance the resurfacer, no modifications were required, making it both a productive and cost effective purchase. The tractor was delivered with studded and weighted turf tires for optimal traction when working on the ice.

To maintain the ice, Johnson fills the resurfacer with hot water, then drives across the ice, shaving and putting down water all at once for a smooth finish. As he progresses and the hopper fills, the tractor supports the lifting and dumping of resurfacer. “The two independent hydraulic pumps on the CK20S HST result in better all around hydraulic flow and pressure, leading to better lift performance,” states Johnson.

The Kioti CK20S HST has been in use for just over 18 months and is dedicated strictly to maintaining the ice rink. Outfitted with the resurfacer, the tractor is housed in a climate controlled building to prevent ice buildup in its reservoir.

According to Johnson, “Private ice rinks in our area though rare, are not completely uncommon.” We worked diligently with Campbell Services and Tom Martell, Kioti’s territory manager, to really explain our needs and find a way to maintain the rink in an efficient manner. “The original suggestions we received for maintaining the rink would have been far more costly and less productive. We’re thankful to have had the expertise of KIOTI Tractor and their local dealer to help us find the appropriate equipment to maintain the rink.”

Wendell, N.C. – March 26, 2013 – KIOTI Tractor has named Randall J. Soutiere the new director of product support. With more than 28 years of experience in the aviation industry, Soutiere will implement his range of expertise in both management and process improvement to benefit the KIOTI North American headquarters.

In his new role, Soutiere will oversee the activities of the operation functions of the company, improving processes to ensure that the product support, warehouse, parts and customer service departments provide high quality customer service. His areas of concentration will include logistics, dealer support and customer service, parts supply management and management of financial aspects of the operations department.

“Randall joins us with a rich background in promoting business and operational excellence,” said Peter Dong-Kyun Kim, chief executive officer of Daedong-USA, Inc. KIOTI Tractor Division. “His industry knowledge will help us increase our efficiency and maximize our growth as we continue to expand our market share in North America.”

Most recently, Soutiere was general manager of a citation jet maintenance, repair and overhaul facility located in Mesa, Ariz. Prior to that, he achieved a Six Sigma Black Belt Certification for Process Improvement, Design, and Control, a program used by brands including General Electric and Motorola to improve manufacturing processes. Soutiere spent 21 years with Cessna Aircraft Company, served in the United States Air Force, and is a licensed airframe and power plant mechanic, private pilot, and certified facilitator, adding to the extensive range of experience he will bring to KIOTI.

Strategic advertising and branding agency Howard, Merrell & Partners (HM&P) was recently named agency of record for KIOTI Tractor, a division of Daedong-USA, Inc. Under the agreement, HM&P will provide a fully integrated communications campaign, including advertising, interactive, media planning and buying, as well as public relations services throughout North America.

Daedong Industrial Co. is a world leader in the manufacturing of tractors, UTVs and implements for tractors. Its KIOTI division has been supplying tractors in North America since 1985, focusing production on the rapidly growing compact tractor and UTV market.

The compact tractor industry is aggressive, particularly in the United States, with more marketing communications being leveled at consumers than in any other region of the world. Seeking an integrated marketing and communications partner, KIOTI carefully selected HM&P to help increase sales and market share.

“We intend to achieve significant growth in the next two years,” explains Peter Dong Kyun Kim, chief executive officer, Daedong-USA, Inc., KIOTI Tractor Division. “To do that we need an strategic agency partner who is capable of vision, dedicated to excellence, and committed to cost effective options. HM&P is the perfect choice for us.”

As agency of record, HM&P is in the process of designing a new creative look and tone for KIOTI, which will be demonstrated through TV and print advertising in strategic trade publications and broadcast markets. The agency’s robust media plan leverages the budget for maximum efficiency, effectiveness and a surprising amount of value-add. TV commercials began running in early March and print advertisements will start appearing next month. The public relations campaign entails strategic media relations, tradeshow publicity and thought leadership efforts.

Most recently, HM&P worked with KIOTI to develop a new brand platform and designed a multi-lingual corporate website to adapt to every type of web technology – tablets, smartphones, desktops, iPads and more.

“We are excited to form such a strong relationship with KIOTI Tractor and launch a fully integrated communications campaign designed to better position their brand and grow sales,” said Jim Cobb, president and CEO at Howard, Merrell & Partners. “We look forward to a long-lasting partnership – one that breeds smart, engaging creative and messaging to strengthen KIOTI Tractor’s presence in North America and create preference for the brand.”

About Howard, Merrell & Partners
Howard, Merrell & Partners is a fully integrated advertising, public relations and social media marketing agency based in Raleigh, NC. With a rich history and compelling portfolio, we specialize in creating lasting connections between brands and people by tapping into human emotion. To see our award-winning work or get in touch with us, please visit www.merrellgroup.com.

Team to Participate in 4^th Annual Event to Honor Fallen Heroes

Wendell, NC – Avid golfers representing KIOTI Tractor are practicing their golf swing to show their support at the 4^th annual Raleigh Police Memorial Foundation golf tournament at the North Ridge Country Club on March 25. A silver-level sponsor, KIOTI Tractor, a division of Daedong-USA, Inc., will send a team of four to the tournament, which provides financial support to honor the lives and memories of the fallen heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of their duty while serving the City of Raleigh.

This is the third consecutive year that KIOTI has participated in this charity event. A KIOTI MECHRON® 2200 Utility Vehicle will be on hand to transport refreshments to the concession carts that are serving the players during the event. The MECHRON® 2200 UTV has 4-wheel drive, a 12” ground clearance and the widest cargo bed in its class. KIOTI will also display the CS2410 Subcompact tractor: a powerful, versatile tractor for homeowners with property sizes ranging from just under an acre up to 5 acres.

“We want to honor our fallen heroes and show our support for the men and women who risk their lives every day for our community” said Peter Dong-Kyun Kim, chief executive officer of Daedong-USA, Inc. KIOTI Tractor Division “Our company and our employees live in the Raleigh area, and this is a small way for us to show our gratitude and honor these fearless individuals who serve and protect us.

Teeing up for KIOTI this year is new Director of Product Support Randall Soutiere, who has spent 28 years in the aviation industry including service in the United States Air Force. Also joining the team is local dealer Gary Mize, owner of The Tractor Place in Knightdale, N.C., which is located just 4.5 miles down the road from the KIOTI North American headquarters.

The Raleigh Police Memorial Foundation was founded in 2009 by active and retired Raleigh police officers that wanted to remember and honor the Raleigh police officers that made the ultimate sacrifice. The Foundation recently received approval from the Raleigh City Council to construct a police memorial in front of the Raleigh Municipal Building that will honor the eight fallen Raleigh police officers.

For more information or to make a donation to the Raleigh Police Memorial Foundation, please visit www.rpdmemorial.org.

New offering meets reduced emissions compliance for off-road diesel engines

Wendell, NC – Feb. 19, 2013 – Daedong Industrial Company, LTD. adds another milestone to its history with the 2013 launch of the new Daedong® Tier 4 ECO Common Rail Diesel Engine. The newest engine is equipped to meet the requirements of Tier 4 compliance, which requires off-road diesel engines to reduce emissions into the environment. The Daedong® Tier 4 ECO Engine was previewed at the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, Ky., in February 2013.

The Daedong® Tier 4 ECO Engines are outfitted with common rail direct injection, cooled exhaust gas recirculation and diesel particulate filter [DPF], fulfilling and exceeding the requirements for the Tier 4 standard by 10 percent. Each engine also features a electronically controlled high-pressure common rail system [1800bar] with direct injection, optimized combustion chamber, cooled exhaust gas recirculation and DPF all contribute to fulfill the EPA Tier 4 Final and EEC Stage III B requirements.

“We are committed to continuing the legacy of the Daedong® engine line with innovative technologies that achieve high environmental standards,” said J.S. Kim, Chairman, Daedong-USA, Inc. and Vice Chairman, Daedong Industrial Co.,Ltd. of KIOTI. “The Tier 4 ECO Engines not only serve as a mark of the quality craftsmanship we put into our products, but reflect how we are serving the needs of the international community.”

In preparation of the launch, the engines have been put through prolonged extreme conditions testing to determine high operation levels while still reaching compliance. Quality and performance tests conducted in the Alps at elevations of 6,561.7ft and -13°F showed that the engines indicated start up with optimal injection pressure, injection timing and fuel pressure in extreme climate and altitude tests. The Daedong® Tier 4 ECO Engine endured prolonged exposure to extreme heat and elevation conditions under testing while still maintaining performance and reliability.

At the beginning of 2013 the implementation of Final Tier 4 legislation began to be enforced. The legislation required strict engine emissions regulations through North America on all off-road diesel engines that produces 75HP (56Kw) or less. The legislation calls for the reduction of particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide in engine emissions.

The Daedong® engine line has long been a leader of innovative products. Since 1993, Daedong-USA, Inc. KIOTI Tractor Division, a wholly owned subsidiary of Daedong Industrial Co., Ltd., has been distributing KIOTI Tractors throughout North America equipped with these high-performance, fuel-efficient Daedong® diesel engines.

Tulare, CA – KIOTI Tractor, a division of Daedong-USA, Inc., will be showcasing a pink MECHRON® 2200 UTV in booth #AB17 at the World Ag Expo from February 12-14, 2013.  This special edition UTV will be displayed in support of breast cancer awareness, research and prevention.

KIOTI’s MECHRON® 2200 UTV, painted pink in honor of breast cancer awareness, will be auctioned off at the upcoming World Ag Expo in Tulare, CA. All proceeds from the silent auction will be donated by KIOTI Tractor to the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center of Chapel Hill, NC.

Throughout the show, KIOTI Tractor will accept silent bids for the pink MECHRON® 2200 UTV in their booth. One winner will be announced at the close of the exhibits.  All proceeds from the auction will be donated to the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center of Chapel Hill, NC, one of only 11 cancer centers in the nation with a Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) in breast cancer.  Attendees bidding must be at least 21 years of age.

“There is no better cause that we can contribute to than one that impacts so many of us personally,” states Peter Dong Kyun Kim, Chief Executive Officer of Daedong-USA, Inc.  “Our company is committed to increasing breast cancer awareness and to raising funds that can be used to advance research to find a cure.”

KIOTI Tractor recently held a similar silent auction at the Sunbelt Ago Expo in Moultrie, GA.  A pink CS2410 was the center of the event with the winning bid raising a total of $15,267.00, which was subsequently donated to the UNC Lineberger Center.

Since its initial launch in 2011, the KIOTI MECHRON® 2200 UTV, The Ultimate Transport Vehicle™, has quickly gained popularity for its wide range of features for both work and play.  The UTV is equipped with standard 4-wheel drive and a fuel efficient 22hp, 3-cylinder, Daedong diesel engine.  The MECHRON’s 56’’ wide cargo bed is the largest in its class, capable of holding up to 1,100 lbs, while its wide track, 2-inch wheels and 25-inch tires easily maneuver across rugged terrain.

In addition to the limited edition pink MECHRON® 2200 UTV, KIOTI Tractor will have a wide-range of equipment on display including models from the company’s CS, DS, CK, RX and DK tractor lines and a variety of implements and attachments.

KIOTI Tractor would like to thank LSG, Inc. of Raleigh, NC and Barnes Collision & Repair of Zebulon, NC for their efforts in the preparation of the pink UTV for the show.

Louisville, KY – KIOTI Tractor, a division of Daedong-USA, Inc., will be featuring a pink CS2410 subcompact tractor and a pink MECHRON® 2200 UTV in their North Wing booth

KIOTI’s CS2410 subcompact tractor, painted pink in honor of breast cancer awareness, will be auctioned off at the upcoming National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, KY. All proceeds from the silent auction will be donated by KIOTI Tractor to the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center of Chapel Hill, NC.

#004039 at the National Farm Machinery Show from February 13-16, 2013.  The company will display these special edition machines in support of breast cancer awareness and prevention.

KIOTI Tractor will accept silent bids for the pink CS2410 and MECHRON® 2200 UTV in their booth all four days of the show.  Both winners will be announced following the close of the exhibits.  All proceeds from the auctions will be donated to the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center of Chapel Hill, NC, one of the leading cancer centers in the nation with a Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) in breast cancer.  Attendees bidding must be at least 21 years of age.

“We are proud to contribute to the fight against breast cancer by raising awareness about early detection, prevention and treatment of this harrowing disease,” states Peter Dong Kyun Kim, Chief Executive Officer of Daedong-USA, Inc.  “Our first silent auction was a huge success.  We are hopeful that the Farm Machinery Show’s auctions will raise even more proceeds.”

KIOTI Tractor held their first silent auction on a pink CS2410 at the Sunbelt Ag Expo in October, 2012.  In total, $15,267.00 was raised from the event, with all proceeds donated to UNC Lineberger.

In addition to the limited edition pink CS2410 and MECHRON® 2200 UTV, KIOTI Tractor will have a wide-range of equipment on display including models from the company’s DS, CK, RX and DK tractor lines along with various implements and attachments.

KIOTI Tractor would like to thank LSG, Inc. of Raleigh, NC and Barnes Collision & Repair of Zebulon, NC for their efforts in the preparation of the pink tractor and UTV for the show.

Cleveland, TN – From a simple email received prior to the Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition this past October, came the presentation of the keys to a pink CS2410 Subcompact KIOTI Tractor equipped with a loader and mid-mount mower, to Karen Massengale on December 21, 2012 by Thomas MacArthur, Southeastern Territory Manager for KIOTI Tractor.

The longtime nurse and her husband Don planned to attend the show with a group from their local Rhea County Farm Bureau.  Before leaving for the show, the couple received an email announcing that a pink tractor would be on display in KIOTI Tractor’s exhibition booth to help raise awareness of Breast Cancer during National Breast Cancer Awareness month. The company would be accepting silent bids throughout the show for the tractor, with the proceeds being donated to breast cancer research, prevention and treatment. Upon receipt of the email, they decided they’d each enter a bid to support the cause.

“With Karen being a nurse and me a paramedic, we understand the importance of donations to the advancement of medical research,” states Don Massengale. “And of course like most, we’ve been personally touched by breast cancer over the years as we’ve watched friends and family members fight the disease.”

The Massengale’s made bidding on the pink KIOTI tractor into a family competition. According to Karen, after arriving at the exposition, she and Don split up to look at different demos, exhibits and equipment, meeting up later in the day for lunch. During lunch Don asked her if she had seen the tractor and placed her bid. She had not, but he had, though he refused to tell her how much he offered. Following lunch, the couple walked over to KIOTI Tractor’s booth, with Karen entering her initial bid. When she told Don what she bid, he wished her luck as she had outbid him. On the ride back to the hotel that evening, Don told Karen he thought that most people would place a bid at an even amount and suggested she go back the next day and make her bid an odd number. She did just that.

Just a few days later, Karen received a phone call from KIOTI Tractor notifying her that she had placed the winning bid. “I never imagined we’d actually win the tractor,” she said. “I am so excited to own this limited edition tractor and to continue to generate awareness and support for breast cancer in our local community.”

Upon receipt of the news, Karen began working with Elizabeth Turner of River Valley Ag Credit to acquire the financing to complete the purchase.  Turner, whose mother is a 7-year breast cancer survivor rallied to get the company’s typical loan fees waived and an aggressive finance rate for the purchase. “Breast Cancer is near and dear to me,” states Turner. “I was more than willing to do anything I could do to help with the purchase and support breast cancer research.”

With a 200 acre Century Farm in Dayton, Tennessee, the Massengale’s are both well educated and passionate when it comes to tractors. The new KIOTI CS2410 will be the 6^th tractor in their fleet. Its primary use will be to complete general maintenance around the Massengale’s family owned and operated cattle farm.

“The KIOTI CS2410 subcompact tractor has a small footprint.  Its compact size combined with its heavier weight construction, power and versatility; make it ideal for handling our daily lawn and garden work.”

“The Massengale’s fit the profile of our typical KIOTI Tractor customer,” says Neil Groothuis of Homestead Lawn and Tractor Co. of Cleveland, Tennessee, the local Authorized KIOTI Tractor Dealer. “We were so pleased to hear of KIOTI’s donation and pleasantly surprised that a customer in our local area had been the winner.  Having representatives from KIOTI, the Rhea County Farm Bureau and Ag Credit at our dealership to present the keys to Karen and Don the Friday before Christmas was quite special and something myself and all our employees will remember for quite some time.”

Upon receipt of the keys, the Massengale’s happily posed for photographs next to their new KIOTI CS2410, even nicknaming the new tractor Angie in honor of David Pettus’, a Product Support Specialist for KIOTI Tractor, late wife Angie who passed away from Breast Cancer. Pettus volunteered to drive the pink tractor from KIOTI Tractor’s North American headquarters in Wendell, NC to Cleveland, TN for delivery to the Massengale’s.

KIOTI Tractor donated the $15,267.00 raised through the silent auction of the pink CS2410 subcompact tractor to the UNC Lineberger Cancer Center, one of the leading cancer centers in the nation, located in Chapel Hill, NC. Two additional CS2410’s have been painted pink for 2013.  One will be displayed with a silent auction held at the National Farm Machinery Show from February 13^th-16^th in Louisville, Kentucky. The other will be on tour throughout Canada this spring and summer. All proceeds from both tractors will be donated to cancer research and prevention.