OREC Co., Ltd. Receives Kyushu Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry Award at the 10th Monozukuri Nippon Grand Award for Rice Paddy Weeding Machine "WEED MAN"
Six members from OREC Co., Ltd. have been awarded the Kyushu Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry Award at the 10th Monozukuri Nippon Grand Award for their efforts in developing and promoting the rice paddy weeding machine "WEED MAN." This recognition highlights their significant contribution to addressing challenges such as the aging population and labor shortages in the agricultural sector through technological innovation.
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- 📰 Published: March 31, 2026 at 23:27
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OREC Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Hirokawa-cho, Yame-gun, Fukuoka Prefecture) is pleased to announce that six of its employees have received the Kyushu Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry Award at the 10th Monozukuri Nippon Grand Award for their efforts in the development and dissemination of the rice paddy weeding machine "WEED MAN."
This award recognizes outstanding individuals involved in "monozukuri" (manufacturing), and this particular recognition highly evaluates our employees' achievements in technological development and problem-solving in the field, aimed at labor-saving and efficiency in rice paddy weeding.
In the agricultural sector, reducing the burden of work is a crucial issue due to the aging population and labor shortages. Rice paddy weeding, in particular, is a labor-intensive task. To address these on-site challenges, our company has repeatedly developed and improved products based on user needs and tailored to field conditions.
## About WEED MAN
"WEED MAN" is a ride-on rice paddy weeding machine equipped with a unique weeding mechanism.
To achieve reliable weeding without damaging rice plants, it features a unique weeding mechanism that combines different methods:
* Between hills: Scraping by rotary rake
* Between rows: Shallow cultivation by weeding blade rotor
Furthermore, we have engaged in technological development that contributes to ease of use in the field and improved work precision, such as:
* Work unit positioned at the front of the machine, allowing visual operation
* Float detects changes in the muddy surface and automatically controls operation
* Four-wheel steering reduces impact on rice plants during turning
These efforts contribute to both reducing the burden of weeding work and ensuring stable growth of rice plants.
## Award Recipients
Kenji Imamura, Representative Director and President, OREC Holdings Co., Ltd.
Takahiro Oshiro, Development Division Manager, OREC R&D Co., Ltd.
Shoichi Suzuki, Section Chief, 1st Development Department, OREC R&D Co., Ltd.
Tomoharu Murakami, Team Leader, 2nd Development Department, OREC R&D Co., Ltd.
Toshihiko Kikuchi, Quality Assurance Department, OREC Co., Ltd.
Takahiro Kakihara, Team Leader, Purchasing Department, OREC Co., Ltd.
### ■ About the "Monozukuri Nippon Grand Award"
The "Monozukuri Nippon Grand Award" is a system that recognizes outstanding individuals involved in "monozukuri," including mid-career professionals and skilled technicians who play a central role in manufacturing and production sites, as well as young talents who will lead the future.
It has been implemented since 2005 (Heisei 17) in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and this year marks its 10th iteration.
This award recognizes outstanding individuals involved in "monozukuri" (manufacturing), and this particular recognition highly evaluates our employees' achievements in technological development and problem-solving in the field, aimed at labor-saving and efficiency in rice paddy weeding.
In the agricultural sector, reducing the burden of work is a crucial issue due to the aging population and labor shortages. Rice paddy weeding, in particular, is a labor-intensive task. To address these on-site challenges, our company has repeatedly developed and improved products based on user needs and tailored to field conditions.
## About WEED MAN
"WEED MAN" is a ride-on rice paddy weeding machine equipped with a unique weeding mechanism.
To achieve reliable weeding without damaging rice plants, it features a unique weeding mechanism that combines different methods:
* Between hills: Scraping by rotary rake
* Between rows: Shallow cultivation by weeding blade rotor
Furthermore, we have engaged in technological development that contributes to ease of use in the field and improved work precision, such as:
* Work unit positioned at the front of the machine, allowing visual operation
* Float detects changes in the muddy surface and automatically controls operation
* Four-wheel steering reduces impact on rice plants during turning
These efforts contribute to both reducing the burden of weeding work and ensuring stable growth of rice plants.
## Award Recipients
Kenji Imamura, Representative Director and President, OREC Holdings Co., Ltd.
Takahiro Oshiro, Development Division Manager, OREC R&D Co., Ltd.
Shoichi Suzuki, Section Chief, 1st Development Department, OREC R&D Co., Ltd.
Tomoharu Murakami, Team Leader, 2nd Development Department, OREC R&D Co., Ltd.
Toshihiko Kikuchi, Quality Assurance Department, OREC Co., Ltd.
Takahiro Kakihara, Team Leader, Purchasing Department, OREC Co., Ltd.
### ■ About the "Monozukuri Nippon Grand Award"
The "Monozukuri Nippon Grand Award" is a system that recognizes outstanding individuals involved in "monozukuri," including mid-career professionals and skilled technicians who play a central role in manufacturing and production sites, as well as young talents who will lead the future.
It has been implemented since 2005 (Heisei 17) in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and this year marks its 10th iteration.