The project will allow for additional production space, a new shipping dock dedicated to outbound finished goods, restrooms, offices, and a new employee break room / meeting room.

Hustler Turf’s most recent expansion of 40,000 square feet was completed in December 2003, and included a state-of-the-art powder coat paint line.

The current expansion project is expected to be completed by July, 2008.

Download the Podcast or listen below.

HESSTON, KS (Feb. ‘08) - Leading mower manufacturer, Hustler Turf Equipment, admits that their “healthy obsession” with cutting grass is taking them to new territories. Known for developing the first-ever zero-turn mower and revolutionizing the commercial and residential mowing industries, the company is looking forward to entering the golf market and introducing new products and proven business practices.

“Among lawn care professionals, the Hustler name marks over 40 years of quality machinery, and a strong commitment to our partners and customers,” said Paul Mullet, president of Hustler Turf Equipment. “That same commitment, dedication to service, and product innovation will continue as the cornerstones of Hustler Turf’s launch into the golf market.”

Hustler Turf Equipment will showcase the new golf products at the Golf Industry Show, Jan. 31- Feb. 2. The presentation includes a fairway mower, and two walk-behind greens mowers, all featuring compact Shibaura engine technology. The Hustler Turf golf products promise to deliver quiet operation volume, streamlined engineering, easy access for maintenance, and an unbeatable quality of cut.

In addition to new product technology, Hustler Turf plans to win over superintendents with an industry-leading warranty and a commitment to quick, responsive and impeccable customer service through their vast dealer network.

Each Hustler Turf dealer is ready to answer questions and provide maintenance advice and service support to every customer. The company’s current distribution network includes more than 1,200 US dealers and more than 40 worldwide distributors. With the introduction of its new golf product line, that network is expected to grow significantly.

For more information on Hustler’s entrance into the golf market, visit: www.hustlergolf.com. Hustler Turf Equipment will launch the products at a press conference at the Golf Industry Show’s media center, booth #4003 at 4:30PM, Jan. 31; products will be showcased at booth #4443, where representatives from both Hustler and Shibaura will be onsite for discussion.

About Hustler Turf Equipment
Founded in 1960 and based in Hesston, Kansas, Excel Industries is a leading manufacturer of premium commercial and residential lawn care equipment, marketed under the Hustler Turf Equipment brand. Hustler introduced the world’s first zero-turn mower in 1964, and today has a global distribution network of over 1,200 US dealers and over 40 worldwide distributors. Additional information about Hustler is available at www.hustlerturf.com.

About IHI Shibaura Machinery Corporation
IHI Shibaura Machinery, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, was established in 1950 and is a leading manufacturer of diesel engines, tractors, reel mowers, drive systems, and two cycle engines. Shibaura introduced the first riding tractor in Japan in 1951 and has produced engines since 1950. Shibaura has production facilities in Japan, China, England, and the United States, in addition to a worldwide sales and service network. Additional information about IHI Shibaura Machinery is available at www.ihi-shibaura.com/english

• Shibaura Engine Technology – Exclusive to Hustler Turf Equipment, space-saving compact diesel engine technology reduces overall machine size and weight.
• Streamlined Engineering – Clean design makes routine maintenance a breeze. Simple reels and a wider wheel base give way to simple, easy access to mechanical components.
• Enhanced Quality of Cut – Known to feature top-of-the-line blade technology, Hustler Turf’s golf product line follows suit and delivers unbeatably clean cuts.
• Smooth Handling – Designed with users in mind, each machine provides easy movement and steering. Exclusive u-shaped handles make control and handling much simpler. No hassle, just clean, attractive cuts.
• Industry-Leading Warranty – Hustler Turf’s famous extended-length warranty program goes beyond a written document. Unlike other companies, Hustler Turf takes its warranty to new levels, offering in-house service for all components at every dealership. No sending customers away to distant engine manufacturers for assistance.

Additional Hustler Turf Equipment Vehicle & Technology Firsts and Exclusives:

• Zero-Turn Technology – Now an industry must-have, zero-turn technology came directly from Hustler Turf Equipment in its earliest days. Thanks to Hustler Turf, turning on a dime is now routine for mowers across the industry.
• Drive Systems Improved – In 1970, Hustler Turf’s introduction of the first dual-path hydrostatic drive system changed the way mowers were built.
• Increased Safety – With protection of user, machine and environment in mind, Hustler Turf introduced the first automatic park brake for a zero-turn riding mower.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Jody Alexander
414-224-0210
jalexander@n-s.com

It was in 1963 that John Regier came up with the beginnings of the first Hustler mower in Moundridge, Kansas. Regier’s wife grew more and more irritated with the chore of cutting grass on the family’s home site. Determined to come up with a solution, Regier worked on modifying the design for a steering system and transmission used on haying equipment.

With its jumble of drives and belts, Regier’s mower was different than anything anyone had seen before. It could also cut grass like no one had ever seen before, turning - as they say - on a dime. It could reverse directions in a turn with a radius of, exactly, zero degrees – a feat unattained by any other driven machinery. The sought-after zero-turn mower had emerged.

In 1964, Regier sold the first rough models. Operating out of his own home workshop, he built and sold 24 of the new mowers. As just one man, he wouldn’t be able to keep up with production alone for long. Soon after, Regier took his design to Excel Industries in the neighboring town of Hesston to show it off. The timing was perfect, as Excel was looking to expand its product base beyond manufacturing tractor cabs.

When Roy Mullet and his team at Excel first saw Regier’s mower in action, they were impressed. Recognizing the opportunity to expand beyond tractor cabs, the team at Excel took the Hustler under its wing. Excel quickly started assembly line and factory production of commercial grade Hustler mowers at its plant in Hesston.

Since then, Hustler has become the fastest-growing turf care brand in the world. Focused on providing the most dependable, useful, and time-saving products in lawn care, Hustler now covers a distribution network of more than 1,200 United States dealers and more than 40 worldwide distributors. Hustler has remained steadily committed to providing quality customer service, making sure each dealer is ready to answer questions and provide maintenance assistance to each customer. In dealership outlets across the globe, the Hustler name signifies high quality, useful innovation, and superior customer care.

Over the years, the Hustler product line has evolved drastically, undergoing numerous re-designs and expansions under the watch of Excel. The company continues to operate in a fluid manner, updating and introducing machines to allow their customers to get more work done in less time. Regardless of model or destination, each and every machine that leaves the Kansas production lines bears the time-honored Hustler standards of functionality and durability.

A Timeline of Technological Innovation

Hustler’s most recognizable and treasured innovation is zero-turn technology, introduced in 1964. Since then, many companies have introduced their own interpretations of zero-turn technology, but Hustler Turf remains the inventor of original zero-turn technology.

Further Advances Provided By Hustler Turf Include:

1966 - Hustler Turf produces the first commercial-duty tractor and mower deck with offset trim capability, allowing for more precise and aesthetically pleasing results for large-area jobs.

1970 - The first dual-path hydrostatic drive system is introduced by Hustler Turf.

1982 - Clippings or other debris can now be gathered, with Hustler Turf’s introduction of the first vehicle-mounted collection system attachment, called the BAC-VAC.

1983 - Hustler Turf mowers increase productivity with the first wing mowing attachment, called the Range Wing, effectively doubling mowing capacity without doubling costs.

1984 - Collection and removal of debris is enhanced, as Hustler Turf introduces the first Hi-Lift BAC-VAC, allowing users to lift and dump clippings and debris into a pickup or trailer for speedy removal.

1985 - Hustler Turf presents the first mid-mount zero-turn riding mower, the Compact 250.

2000 - Safety and functionality are enhanced with Hustler Turf’s release of the first zero-turn riding mower with an automatic park brake.

2001 - Speed and effectiveness combine on a new level as Hustler Turf unveils the 15mph Super Z, a rider that gets precise mowing done in much less time.

2005 - Hustler Turf continues to impress with new XR-7 and Rear-Discharge Decks for its machines.

2008 - Hustler Turf launches a new line of golf products with Shibaura technology, set to improve the way golf course maintenance gets done.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Jody Alexander
414-224-0210
jalexander@n-s.com

Since those early days, the company’s name has been changed and tweaked to permit new product introductions. The company’s business description officially changed in 1950 and Shibaura received permission to produce civilian goods.

Soon after, Shibaura was pleased to offer a whole new variety of goods. Ranging from tractors, mowers, internal combustion engines, pumps, and compressors to fire fighting equipment, Shibaura’s wide product line offered solutions to all sorts of consumer needs. The company expanded again in 1975 with the introduction of an entire second factory in Okayama. In 1998, more growth took place as Shibaura acquired the Tsuchiya Manufacturing factory in Ashikaga, integrating its turf care product into the Shibaura product line. And in 2006, the Asahi factory in an outskirt of Matsumoto was opened. The addition of each factory brought innovative products to the Shibaura catalog.

At corporate headquarters in Tokyo, the Shibaura team worked hard to coordinate the logistics of the growing company’s multitude of machinery ventures. In 2007, the company’s official name changed to its current shortened status of IHI-Shibaura Machinery Corporation, commonly abbreviated as just Shibaura.

Though the name has changed, the company’s focus has remained steadfast. Fostering a healthy relationship between people, the environment, and technology remains important. Shibaura’s environmentally conscious philosophy leads the company to try and maintain harmony between land, water, air, and greenery, through its products. Its compact engineering of machinery lowers machine weight and fuel usage, thus reducing toxic emissions. Ozone enhancing products clean the air, and firefighting equipment helps reduce destruction of the environment by reducing fire damage.

Over time, Shibaura has grown and established partnerships with international companies in order to fulfill its philosophy of harmony between consumers and their environment. Relationships across the globe have improved product development, production, and services for customers worldwide. Around the world, Shibaura products have been praised for their high performance and reliability.

A Timeline of Technological Innovation

Shibaura strives to come up with practical, affordable, innovative solutions to societal needs, going out of its way to accomplish new goals, always working to obtain proper certificates and permissions for making new products. In addition to widening product offerings, Shibaura continuously fine-tunes methods of production to eliminate waste of employee motion, effort, and time. Such streamlining keeps standards in place and makes for perfect final products.

Advances Provided By Shibaura

1942 - The Matsumoto factory is established, marking the official beginning of Shibaura.

1950 - Shibaura introduces its air cooled four-cycle kerosene engine.

1951 - The very first riding tractor in Japan arrives as the AT-III from Shibaura

1952 - Shibaura’s fire pump H model obtains certification by Japan’s National Fire Defense Headquarters.

1975 - The Okayama factory is completed, allowing for expansion in production.

1977 - Shibaura makes a breakthrough in the machinery industry when it reveals the nation’s first turbo tractor. The SD3000 AT launches at Shibaura’s All Japan Dealer convention.

1977 - Shibaura’s product line improves with new automatic electronic control systems.

1982 - The release of Shibaura compact tillers marks a tremendous leap in name recognition and reputation for the company.

1998 - Shibaura experiences more growth as it obtains Tsuchiya Manufacturing and a new factory in Ashikaga. Here, Shibaura attains plans and means of producing turf care equipment.

2006 - Expansion occurs for Shibaura as it opens another production location in Asahi, an outskirt of Matsumoto.

2001 - Shibaura announces the AF100 Tractor, the first in the industry to have electrical HST control.

2007 - Shibaura enters partnership with Hustler Turf Equipment to collaborate on marketing and development of turf and golf course industry products.

President & CEO - Hustler Turf Equipment

Paul Mullet has served as president & chief executive officer of Hustler Turf Equipment since 1991. Prior to his promotion to president, Paul steadily progressed through a diverse range of responsibilities.

After starting as a welder in 1972, Paul was soon promoted to production supervisor. He later advanced to positions including service manager and materials manager. Paul joined the board of directors in 1983 while serving as director of sales and marketing. He then served as vice president of sales and marketing until his promotion to president.

Born in Montana, Paul first moved to Hesston, Kansas with his family in 1958. While growing up in Hesston, Paul continued to work on his family’s Montana farm each summer until he graduated from Bethel College in 1972 with a bachelor’s degree in industrial arts.

Paul and his wife reside in Hesston, where they have raised three sons and a daughter. Paul is an avid golfer and reader. He also enjoys biking and many other sports.

Bob Mullet has served as vice president and chief financial officer since 1993. During his tenure with the company, Bob has also been responsible for information technology, human resources, and manufacturing.

Before settling in Hesston in 1993, Bob worked in the administrative division of the healthcare industry for more than 22 years. He worked as a hospital administrator for Mennonite Central Committee, spending two years in Haiti and three years in Afghanistan. Bob later spent 17 years as a health care administrator in Paoli, Indiana, where he took care of the business aspects of a five-physician medical group, and administration of several government-sponsored, not-for-profit health care programs.

Born in Montana, Bob first moved to Hesston with his family in 1958. Prior to his career in business and management, Bob graduated first from Hesston College, and later from Goshen College where he received a bachelor’s degree in economics.

Director of Engineering - Hustler Turf Equipment

Brian Nebel has served as director of engineering since 1997. In addition to his engineering responsibilities, Brian assumed management of the customer service and product quality functions in 2007.

Brian began work with the company in 1988 as an advanced development engineer, where he worked to create and develop plans for new turf products. Before coming to Hustler, Brian studied at the University of Iowa, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

Brian and his wife have two sons and two daughters, and reside in Hesston. Brian’s interests include basketball, biking, wood working, motorcycle riding, building projects, and spending time with his family.