OREC Co., Ltd. Employees Receive Kyushu Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry Director's Award at the 10th Monozukuri Nippon Grand Award

OREC Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Hirokawa-machi, Yame-gun, Fukuoka Prefecture) is pleased to announce that six of our employees have received the Kyushu Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry Director's Award at the 10th Monozukuri Nippon Grand Award for their development and promotion efforts related to the paddy field weeder "WEED MAN".

This award recognizes outstanding individuals involved in "Monozukuri" (manufacturing/craftsmanship). This award signifies high praise for the achievements of our employees who have been dedicated to technological development and solving on-site challenges for labor-saving and efficiency improvement in paddy field weeding.

In the agricultural sector, reducing the burden of work is a critical issue due to an aging population and a shortage of successors. Paddy field weeding, in particular, is a labor-intensive task. To address these on-site challenges, we have repeatedly developed and improved products based on user needs and tailored to practical field conditions.

About WEED MAN The "WEED MAN" is a ride-on paddy field weeder equipped with a unique weeding mechanism. To achieve reliable weeding without damaging the rice plants, it features: ・Between rice plants: Scraping by rotating rakes

・Between rows: Shallow cultivation by a weeding blade rotor

These are combined in its unique weeding mechanism. Furthermore, we have focused on technological development contributing to ease of use and improved work accuracy in the field, including: ・The work unit is positioned at the front of the machine, allowing for operation while visually monitoring.

・Floats detect changes in the mud surface and automatically control the operation.

・Four-wheel steering reduces impact on rice plants during turns.

Through these innovations, we contribute to both reducing the burden of weeding operations and ensuring stable rice growth.

Award Recipients Kenji Imamura, President and Representative Director, OREC Holdings Co., Ltd. Takahiro Oshiro, General Manager of R&D Headquarters, OREC Co., Ltd. R&D Shoichi Suzuki, Section Chief, 1st Development Department, OREC Co., Ltd. R&D Tomoharu Murakami, Team Leader, 2nd Development Department, OREC Co., Ltd. R&D 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" (manufacturing/craftsmanship), including mid-career professionals and skilled craftspeople who form the core of manufacturing and production sites, as well as young talent who will lead the future. It has been implemented since 2005 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. This is the 10th time it has been held. https://www.kyushu.meti.go.jp/seisaku/seizo/oshirase/260305_1.html

OREC will continue to contribute to the realization of sustainable agriculture through the technical capabilities of each employee and our "Monozukuri" rooted in the field. [Contact for Inquiries Regarding This Matter] OREC Holdings Co., Ltd. Public Relations Office, Management Headquarters (Contact: Seki) TEL: 0943-32-5002 MAIL: kouhou@orec.co.jp