John Deere Electronic Solutions unveiled its new 90,000-square-foot facility here on Tuesday.
The expansion will bring the total number of John Deere jobs in North Dakotato an estimated 1,000.
John Deere Electronic Solutions — formerly known as Phoenix International, a John Deere company — builds electronic control, display and sensor systems for equipment manufacturers.
The $22 million facility at 4101 19th Ave. N. will provide space needed for an expanded engineering staff, and product design and test labs.
The building will also have space to manufacture electronic controls and other parts for John Deere’s new hybrid construction vehicles.
Phoenix International was founded in Fargo in 1987. The company was acquired by John Deere in 1999, and 10 years later officially took the name John Deere Electronic Solutions.
The new structure increases the company’s Fargo footprint to more than 300,000 square feet.
Adrienne Olson, communications manager for John Deere, said Phoenix International dropped the Phoenix name entirely this summer and will exclusively be known as John Deere Electronic Solutions. The name will be changed on all five Phoenix International locations in Fargo and West Fargo, including its facility at the North Dakota State University Research and Technology Park, where it is an anchor tenant.
John Deere celebrates its 175th year of business this year, said Jean Gilles, Senior Vice President of Deere & Co.
Gilles said Tuesday that the international company known for its green and gold colors is excited to expand in North Dakota where there are quality workers with a “can-do spirit.”
“It’s only one representation of the impact we have here,” Gilles said.
Gov. Jack Dalrymple said the expansion is exactly what the state likes to see.
The state and city worked with John Deere to make the expansion a reality by offering a PACE (Partnership in Assisting Communities) loan, a state development fund grant, jobs training and sales tax exemptions.
Olson said the facility is expected to be in operation by mid-October.
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