John Deere plans to open two new U.S.-based facilities in the next year: a distribution center near Hebron, Indiana, and an excavator factory in Kernersville, North Carolina.
“Our investment in these new facilities underscores John Deere’s dedication to strengthening the backbone of American industry and supporting local economies,” says John May, chairman and CEO of John Deere. “We believe in building America, and these projects represent our intent to continue driving innovation and job creation in the United States.”
John Deere recently broke ground on the Indiana distribution center, which is designed to streamline operations and ensure timely delivery of equipment and parts. The Indiana project is anticipated to create about 150 jobs.
“This new facility is an investment in customer expectations around world-class product support through parts availability for our U.S.-based ag, turf, construction, forestry, mining and turf customers,” says Denver Caldwell, vice president of aftermarket and customer support at John Deere. “Indiana’s strong workforce and central location make it an ideal choice for expansion.”
John Deere will continue to maintain its primary North American parts distribution center in Milan, Illinois. That distribution center has been in operation since 1973 and employs about 1,200 people.
New excavator factory
The new $70 million factory in North Carolina, meanwhile, will bolster John Deere’s manufacturing capabilities in the U.S., producing excavators for the construction market.
The factory will assume production of excavators previously produced in Japan. John Deere expects to employ more than 150 people there.
“We are excited to bring this new facility to our Kernersville campus and to be part of the region’s thriving manufacturing community,” says Ryan Campbell, president of Worldwide Construction & Forestry and Power Systems at John Deere. “Our focus will be on delivering excellence, creating jobs and advancing the legacy of John Deere in American manufacturing.”
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