In response to rising U.S. demand for its tractors, Mahindra USA today officially opened a second assembly plant and distribution center in Calhoun, Ga. This move confirms Mahindra USA's strong commitment to the U.S. market.

Located 68 miles north of Atlanta, Mahindra USA's new facility initiated operation in January 2003. The plant duplicates the production activities performed at Mahindra USA's Tomball, Texas-based headquarters, including final assembly and pre-delivery inspections. The states served by the new facility include Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Vermont.

'Because of recent new dealer expansion and a dramatic increase in consumer sales, Mahindra USA decided to open an additional assembly plant and distribution center in a location that was in close proximity to our current dealers,' says Derek Johannes, president of Mahindra USA. 'It is of utmost importance that we keep our dealers and customers 100 percent satisfied with the Mahindra brand and experience.'

Strategically placed between Mahindra USA's main dealer territories of the Southeast and Northeast, the new center will reduce costs for both dealers and Mahindra USA. Not only will dealers save money on freight, they will also experience improved order fulfillment and quicker delivery times.

'Mahindra is here for the long haul,' says Johannes. 'Our commitment to the U.S. market has never been stronger. Our goal is to keep existing dealers happy with the Mahindra product, while attracting new dealers to our current network. We are hopeful that the new facility in Calhoun will help us meet these goals.'

The new 8-acre plant is located in an industrial park that is easily accessible from I-75. The facility boasts a 60,000-square-foot building with 7,500 square feet of office space. By the end of 2003, it will employ 40 employees and have the capacity to produce approximately 2,500 tractors. The capacity will be increased to produce 6,000 tractors in 2005. At today's official grand opening event, Anand Mahindra,Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Mahindra & Mahindra, Mahindra USA's parent company, hosted a tour of the new facility, as well as an Indian ceremonial coconut-breaking for local dignitaries, Mahindra dealers, selected media and new team members.

About Mahindra USA

Mahindra USA has a reputation for building superior performing workhorses with sturdier frames, more heavy-duty components and higher lift capacities than other brands. This provides greater stability and control, as well as the ability to handle larger implements so customers can get their work done faster.

Mahindra's popularity in the U.S. is growing due to high customer satisfaction and customer referrals. A recent survey showed 97 percent customer satisfaction with Mahindra Tractors and current customers recommend the tractors to their friends and family.

Tomball, Texas-based Mahindra USA (www.mahindrausa.com) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mahindra & Mahindra, one of the largest tractor manufacturers in the world. Producing durable, hard-working equipment has always been the mission of Mahindra dating back to the manufacturing of the famous Willys Jeeps for World War II and the development and manufacturing of the world renowned B444 and B275 tractors in the early 1960s via a joint venture with International Harvester.