Fumihiro “Clint” Ohno has been named to assume the position of general manager of Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.’s Engines and Power Products Division, effective Jan. 1, 2011. Ohno replaces Yoshiteru “Yoshi” Ueda, who will return to the General Purpose Engine Division in Japan.
Ohno, who was promoted to the position of deputy general manager of the Grand Rapids-based division in October 2008, joined Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. (KHI) in 1993 and initially worked for the company’s parts and materials sourcing. He also spent several years in marketing and sales, including involvement with Kawasaki’s OEM engine business in the U.S.
The new GM moved to Grand Rapids in 2006 and became involved in all aspects of Kawasaki’s growing engines and power products operations. He became a key conduit between the division and both KHI and Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp., U.S.A., whose Maryville, MO, manufacturing facility is the primary builder of the engines that have enjoyed a reputation for durability and reliability in the professional landscape community.
Ohno has also had direct responsibility for the development of the company’s business plan and ongoing oversight to assure continuity of programs and success of sales and financial goals.
“The past few years have provided me an in-depth opportunity to work with an excellent team as we’ve grown Kawasaki’s business in both engines and power products, and I look forward to the opportunity to manage our continued growth into the near future,” said Ohno.
Kawasaki’s full line of engines now includes 40 units offering applications for lawn and garden usage, utility vehicles, and construction and industrial equipment. All of the company’s engines are covered by a three-year warranty.
The power products segment offers string trimmers, hedge trimmers and clippers, backpack blowers and a handheld blower, as well as a multi-task power series and an edger. While the company’s products are popular in the professional market, Ohno has helped oversee the expansion of this product group to include new units at the “prosumer” price point.
