Received the Kyushu Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry Director-General's Award at the 10th Monodzukuri 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-General's Award at the 10th Monodzukuri Nippon Grand Award for their efforts in the development and promotion of the "WEED MAN" rice paddy weeder.

This award recognizes outstanding individuals involved in "monodzukuri" (manufacturing). This honor reflects the high evaluation of our employees' achievements in developing technology for labor-saving and efficiency in rice paddy weeding, as well as their commitment to solving on-site challenges.

In the agricultural sector, reducing the burden of labor is a critical issue due to an aging population and a shortage of successors. 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 real-world conditions.

About "WEED MAN" "WEED MAN" is a ride-on rice paddy weeder equipped with a unique weeding mechanism.

To ensure effective weeding without damaging the rice plants, it features a unique mechanism that combines two different methods: - Between hills: Scraping using a rotating rake - Between rows: Shallow cultivation using a weeding blade rotor

Furthermore, we have worked on technological developments that contribute to ease of use and improved work precision, such as: - Positioning the working unit at the front of the machine, allowing the operator to work while visually monitoring the area - Automatically controlling operations by detecting changes in the mud surface via a float - Reducing the impact on rice plants during turns through four-wheel steering

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

Award Recipients Kenji Imamura, President and Representative Director, OREC Holdings Co., Ltd. Takahiro Oshiro, General Manager of Development, OREC R&D Co., Ltd. Shoichi Suzuki, Manager, 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 "Monodzukuri Nippon Grand Award" The "Monodzukuri Nippon Grand Award" is a system that honors outstanding individuals involved in manufacturing, including core personnel in manufacturing and production sites, skilled technicians, and young talent who will lead the future.

It has been implemented since 2005 through the collaboration of 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 year marks the 10th edition. https://www.kyushu.meti.go.jp/seisaku/seizo/oshirase/260305_1.html

We will continue to contribute to the realization of sustainable agriculture through the technical capabilities of each employee and our manufacturing rooted in the field.

[Contact for inquiries regarding this matter] OREC Holdings Co., Ltd. Management Headquarters, Public Relations Office (Contact: Seki) TEL: 0943-32-5002 MAIL: kouhou@orec.co.jp