John Deere announces plans to open 2 new U.S. facilities

Illinois-based John Deere Co. has announced plans to open two new U.S.-based facilities, with both set to open in the next year. The facilities include a distribution center near Hebron, Indiana, and an excavator factory in Kernersville, North Carolina.

John Deere recently broke ground on the distribution center, which the company says is located to enhance its supply chain capabilities nationwide. The project is anticipated to generate approximately 150 jobs and is designed to streamline operations and delivery of equipment and parts. The company also will continue to maintain its primary North American parts distribution center in Milan, Illinois.

“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.” 

The $70 million factory in Kernersville, North Carolina, will assume production of future generation excavators previously produced in Japan. The facility is anticipated to employ more than 150 people, and John Deere expects it will help meet equipment demand.

“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 and 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.”

With the opening of the two facilities, the company says it will create hundreds of new U.S. jobs.

“Our investment in these new facilities underscores John Deere’s dedication to strengthening the backbone of American industry and supporting local economies,” John May, chairman and CEO of John Deere, says. “We believe in building America, and these projects represent our intent to continue driving innovation and job creation in the United States.

“These investments further demonstrate our commitment to invest $20 billion in U.S. manufacturing over the next 10 years. It is a testament to our confidence in the future of U.S. manufacturing and our unwavering commitment to innovation, quality and economic growth.”