John Deere to open Indiana distribution center, expand North Carolina excavator plant
John Deere plans to open a parts distribution center in Indiana and expand its manufacturing campus in North Carolina, a move the company said will add more than 300 U.S. jobs and shift some excavator production from Japan to the United States.
The company said the projects are expected to open within the next year.
John Deere recently broke ground on a distribution center near Hebron, Indiana. The facility is expected to employ about 150 people and will support equipment and parts distribution nationwide. The company said the site is intended to improve supply chain operations and delivery times.
“This new facility is an investment in customer expectations around world class product support through parts availability for our US based ag, turf, construction, forestry, mining and turf customers,” said Denver Caldwell, vice president, Aftermarket and Customer Support. “Indiana’s strong workforce and central location make it an ideal choice for expansion.”
John Deere will continue operating its primary North American Parts Distribution Center in Milan, Illinois, which opened in 1973 and employs about 1,200 workers.
In Kernersville, North Carolina, the company plans to invest $70 million in a new excavator factory on its existing campus. The plant will employ more than 150 people and assume production of future generation excavators previously produced in Japan. The company said the Kernersville campus will produce excavators designed, developed and manufactured in the United States.
“We are excited to bring this new facility to our Kernersville campus and to be part of the region’s thriving manufacturing community,” said Ryan Campbell, president Worldwide Construction and Forestry and Power Systems. “Our focus will be on delivering excellence, creating jobs, and advancing the legacy of John Deere in American manufacturing.”
Chief Executive Officer John May said the projects are part of the company’s broader manufacturing strategy.
“Our investment in these new facilities underscores John Deere’s dedication to strengthening the backbone of American industry and supporting local economies,” May said. “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 $20B in U.S. manufacturing over the next 10 years,” May said. “It is a testament to our confidence in the future of U.S. manufacturing and our unwavering commitment to innovation, quality, and economic growth.”
