KIOTI Tractor, a division of Daedong-USA, Inc., recently donated several of its MECHRON® utility vehicles to the American Red Cross to assist with hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico. Working in collaboration with the Red Cross, Puerto Rico was determined to have the most immediate need for hurricane relief. The island is still struggling to recover necessities nearly six weeks following the destruction of Hurricane Maria.
On Sept. 20, Hurricane Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico and caused immense damage to the island’s infrastructure, resulting in a large-scale humanitarian crisis. An estimated 1 million Puerto Ricans are still without water and supplies. KIOTI Tractor hopes to provide tangible support by shipping its utility vehicles to the island to assist the Red Cross with the distribution of supplies. MECHRON utility vehicles are rugged, four-wheel-drive, off-road vehicles that will allow for easier access to remote areas on the island.
“Our hope is that the utility vehicles are useful for transporting supplies throughout the communities of Puerto Rico,” said Peter Dong-Kyun Kim, president and CEO of Daedong-USA, Inc. KIOTI Tractor Division. “Supporting those in need is part of our company’s DNA. We felt compelled to get involved as they begin the tough reconstruction process after the devastating damage that Hurricane Maria brought.”
Earlier this year, KIOTI Tractor celebrated the 70th anniversary of its parent company, Daedong Industrial Company Ltd., based in Daegu, South Korea. Part of its mission is to be dedicated to its customers, family and neighbors. Founder Sam-Man Kim had a passion and dedication for helping others during times of need and that spirit still embodies Daedong Industrial and the KIOTI Tractor brand today.