Fire Protection Engineered for Innovation Supporting advanced research, cold testing, and next-generation manufacturing at Kubota’s Gainesville R&D Center.
Kubota Manufacturing of America set out to support next-generation product innovation through the development of a state-of-the-art Research and Development Center in Gainesville, Georgia. The expansive 280-acre campus was designed to house engineering offices, workshops, turf research areas, high-speed equipment test tracks and specialized cold testing laboratories while integrating sustainable infrastructure to support future-focused manufacturing and testing operations.
Given the highly specialized environments within the facility, particularly the cold testing labs, Kubota required a fire protection system capable of performing reliably across both standard industrial spaces and extreme temperature conditions without disrupting operations or compromising safety.
Value Delivered
North American Fire Protection delivered a fully integrated fire sprinkler solution engineered specifically for Kubota’s diverse R&D environments. By combining wet and dry pipe systems, the NAFPCO team ensured dependable fire protection throughout conditioned industrial areas, cold rooms, and equipment platforms.
Special attention was given to the cold testing laboratories, where dry pendent sprinklers were installed through insulated metal panel (IMP) ceilings to protect temperature-sensitive spaces while eliminating freeze risk. Designed in accordance with NFPA 13, the system was tailored to Kubota’s unique testing operations and facility layout.
Through close collaboration with Primus Builders and the broader project team, North American Fire Protection executed a high-performance life safety system that aligns with Kubota’s innovation goals—protecting people, equipment and long-term investment across the campus.
Scope of Services
North American Fire Protection provided complete fire sprinkler system design and installation, including:
All systems were engineered to support cold-environment operations while maintaining robust, code-compliant fire protection throughout the facility.
Background on Building Owner
Kubota Manufacturing of America operates as part of Kubota’s North American manufacturing and innovation network, supporting both U.S. and Canadian operations. In April 2022, Kubota celebrated the grand opening of its new Research and Development Center in Gainesville, Georgia representing a major investment in equipment development tailored to the North American market.
The campus features engineering offices, advanced testing laboratories, a turf research farm, high-speed vehicle test courses, and renewable energy infrastructure including solar installations and electric vehicle charging stations. The facility initially created more than 70 high-skill jobs, with long-term growth plans approaching 200 employees, reinforcing Kubota’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and regional economic development.
Project Impact
The Kubota Gainesville R&D Center highlights North American Fire Protection’s ability to engineer fire protection solutions for advanced manufacturing and mission-critical industrial environments. From extreme cold testing labs to high-performance engineering spaces, this project demonstrates NAFPCO’s expertise in delivering reliable, code-compliant systems tailored to complex operational demands.
By safeguarding people, equipment, and infrastructure across extreme temperature zones, North American Fire Protection helped protect one of Kubota’s most significant North American innovation investments, supporting safety today while enabling the future of manufacturing technology.
Dry pendent sprinklers are typically installed in food process plants and box-in-box freezers where temperatures are below 40 degrees F.
Dry pipe sprinkler systems are generally used in cold climates and are highly effective in cold-temperature fire protection.
Early Suppression Fast Response (ESFR) systems are quick-responding, high-volume sprinkler systems that provide exceptional protection for high-piled storage occupancies.
Fire pumps are an essential part of many water-based fire protection systems. Fire Pumps are used to increase the water pressure (measured in psi) when the original water source is not adequate for the system it’s supplying.
Fire pumps are an essential part of many water-based fire protection systems. Fire Pumps are used to increase the water pressure (measured in psi) when the original water source is not adequate for the system it’s supplying.
Pre-action fire sprinkler systems employ the basic concept of a dry pipe system in that water is not normally contained within the pipes.
Wet pipe systems are the most common fire sprinkler systems. A wet pipe system is one in which water is constantly maintained within the sprinkler piping.
A special hazards fire suppression system is used to put out fires in areas where water damage from fire sprinklers can cause costly or irreparable damage to the assets being protected.
Linear Heat Detection (LHD) is an important component of fire protection systems, as it is designed to detect heat along the length of a sensor cable.
