John Deere moves overseas excavator manufacturing to the US

John Deere excavator (Image: John Deere)

John Deere will open a distribution center near Hebron, Indiana, and an excavator factory in Kernersville, North Carolina, during the next year.

This investment is part of the company’s commitment to invest $20 billion in US manufacturing over the next ten years.

The new US$70 million factory in North Carolina will bolster John Deere’s manufacturing capabilities, leveraging advanced technologies to produce excavators previously manufactured in Japan. It will employ over 150 people to help meet equipment demand.

Construction of the new distribution center, which is anticipated to generate around 150 jobs, was started recently. The Hebron location was chosen “to streamline operations and ensure timely delivery of equipment and parts.”

“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,” said Denver Caldwell, vice president, Aftermarket and Customer Support at Deere. “Indiana’s strong workforce and central location make it an ideal choice for expansion.”

The primary North American parts distribution center in Milan, Illinois, which has been in operation since 1973 and employs about 1,200 people, will be maintained.

“Our investment in these new facilities underscores John Deere’s dedication to strengthening the backbone of American industry and supporting local economies,” said John May, chairman and chief executive officer 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.”