Deere & Co. has identified two capital investments totaling about $85 million as part of the $20-billion commitment to U.S. manufacturing that the company announced last summer. "Our investment in these new facilities underscores John Deere's dedication to strengthening the backbone of American industry and supporting local economies," stated chairman and CEO John May. "We believe in building America, and these projects represent our intent to continue driving innovation and job creation in the United States."
The larger of the two investments will be an expansion of its current manufacturing operation in Kernersville, N.C., where the Deere will begin production of “future generation” excavators now manufactured in Japan. That location now produces various models of hydraulic excavators and electric battery packs and charging systems.
A new, 380,000-sq.-ft operation will produce smaller, 6- to 10-metric ton excavators (6–10 metric tons.) Employing approximately 150, it will “produce the only excavator designed, developed, and manufactured in the U.S.,” according to Deere.
The second project, already in progress and also expected to employ 150, will be a new distribution center near Hebron, Ind., to aid in delivery of equipment and parts. Deere’s principal North American Parts Distribution Center, Milan, Ill., will remain.
The cost of the new distribution center was not announced.
Both new operations are planned to open in 2027.
In August 2025 Deere & Co. put forth a 10-year capital investment program for its U.S. manufacturing operations, with the aim of promoting the development of new products and adopting more advanced manufacturing capabilities.
