OLATHE, Kan. — John Deere recently announced several projects and investments its made in its manufacturing operations and support of its hometown communities, customers and employees.
Investing in Remanufacturing
Deere recently announced plans to expand its Reman Core Center facility in Strafford, Mo., by an additional 120,000 square feet. This $13.5 million expansion will break ground in mid-2025 and is expected to be completed in 2026, bringing the facility's total footprint to 400,000 square feet.
“This shows John Deere’s commitment to the Reman business and to the local community,” said Kevin Schrag, Manager, John Deere Reman. “Our dedicated employees, with their focus on keeping our customers running and commitment to the remanufacturing business, have made this investment possible.”
Taking BIG Tractors to the Next Level
Over the past five years, Deere's Waterloo, Iowa, facility has undergone some significant changes.
Waterloo recently added a new 9RX High-Horse Power (HHP) tractor assembly line to better support customers, “This tractor is important for U.S. food production because it’s equipped with HHP our customers need as well as precision technology to help farmers do more with less,” said Fabio Castro, VP & Factory Manager, Waterloo Works.
Revving Up for the X9 Combine
"We went all out to bring our biggest combine, the X9, to life at Harvester Works in East Moline, Illinois. We invested $48 million into renovating 385,000 square feet of manufacturing space and another $101 million in cutting-edge equipment and processes to make it happen," the OEM said.
These upgrades include the latest tech like robotics, laser welding and advanced material handling to make the production line more ergonomic for the team and ensure quality at every step.
“As we continue to invest in the factory, we’re also investing in the success of our employees and our customers,” explained Miles Musick, factory engineering manager. “For our employees, each new project allows us to improve safety, ergonomics, and efficiency within the factory. For our customers, these investments deliver cutting-edge process technology and increased levels of quality control, which our customers expect from John Deere."
Sprayer Facility’s 12-Month Transformation
Over the past year Deere's large sprayer facility underwent a huge transformation which led to its expansion opening in July 2024. Deere has expanded its Des Moines, Iowa, large sprayer assembly location by 138,000 square feet, with a $40+ million-dollar investment in building and infrastructure.
"This isn’t just about more space for sprayer production — it’s about bringing in advanced assembly and testing capabilities for our state-of-the-art See & Spray technology. Our team is set to hit new peaks in safety, ergonomics, and quality. Plus, this expansion will make our operations and manufacturing processes run smoother than ever.
“The investment made in our large sprayer assembly building is a transformative step that will enhance operational efficiency and streamline our processes,” explained Rosalind Fox, factory manager. “This investment ensures we are well-equipped to support our future product portfolio and continue delivering excellence to our customers.”
Modernizing Seeding Facility
Deere's Seeding facility in Moline, Ill., recently underwent a 60,000 square foot expansion costing over $10 million. The project updated the building’s infrastructure, created better workspaces for employees, and enhanced the visitor experience by adding a brand-new front lobby space and display floor.
In addition to these changes, Deere has integrated new meeting spaces equipped with updated technology, making it easier for teams to connect and collaborate effectively.
“Innovative common areas have been designed to foster collaboration and creativity among employees,” explained Brad Russman, factory manager. “Throughout the facility, you'll find creative displays featuring brand, customer, and employee images that celebrate the essence of what we do at John Deere.”
Building Excavators, Building Futures
Deere invested $70 million to build a new 380,000-square-foot factory in Kernersville, N.C. — expanding its current location. The factory will produce small excavators and is initially expected to add over 150 new jobs.
"This new factory represents a significant investment in our future and the future of our employees. By producing small excavators alongside our mid-sized models, we’re not only enhancing efficiency but also expanding opportunities for our dedicated team, who have been building quality excavators in Kernersville since 1988,” shared Steve Brewer, general manager
