John Deere has announced plans to open two new U.S.-based facilities in Indiana and North Carolina, an expansion expected to create more than 300 jobs while strengthening the company’s domestic manufacturing and distribution capabilities.
The announcement comes as the equipment manufacturer has faced recent scrutiny over workforce reductions in parts of the Midwest and questions from farmers and lawmakers regarding its long-term commitment to U.S. manufacturing amid expanded operations in Mexico. Company officials say the new facilities underscore John Deere’s continued investment in American industry.
The expansion includes a new parts distribution center near the Lowell–Hebron area in northwest Indiana and a new excavator manufacturing facility in Kernersville, North Carolina. Both sites are expected to open within the next year.
“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.”
In Indiana, John Deere plans to invest $125 million to construct and equip a 1.2 million-square-foot warehouse and distribution center on 234 acres in Lake County, just off Interstate 65. The facility will serve as a state-of-the-art hub designed to streamline operations and ensure timely delivery of parts to customers and dealers nationwide.
The Indiana project is expected to create approximately 150 new Hoosier jobs offering wages above the county average.
Indiana Governor Mike Braun welcomed the announcement, citing the state’s central location and strong manufacturing workforce.
“Our state’s location as the Crossroads of America makes it the ideal destination for companies of all sizes to serve customers across the U.S. and around the world,” Braun said. “John Deere’s expansion to Indiana is a testament to our business-first environment, our robust manufacturing sector, and our strong pipeline of skilled talent.”
Denver Caldwell, vice president of Aftermarket and Customer Support at John Deere, said the new Indiana facility will play a key role in meeting customer expectations.
“This new facility is an investment in world-class product support through parts availability for our U.S.-based agriculture, turf, construction, forestry, and mining customers,” Caldwell said. “Indiana’s strong workforce and central location make it an ideal choice for expansion.”
John Deere’s Indiana expansion is part of the company’s broader commitment to invest $20 billion in U.S. manufacturing over the next decade. The company, headquartered in Moline, Illinois, was founded in 1837 and operates across agriculture, construction, forestry, turf, and power systems industries.
Local officials also praised the project’s economic impact. Lake County Councilwoman Christine Cid said the facility will support long-term growth in the region.
“John Deere’s new facility in Lake County will contribute to the county’s overall economic development and provide economic opportunities for both the county and its residents,” Cid said. “Once the facility is complete, it will provide good-paying jobs and help strengthen the commercial tax base along the Interstate 65 corridor.”
Based on job creation plans, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation committed up to $2.5 million in incentive-based tax credits to support the project. The incentives are performance-based, meaning the company may claim benefits after investments are made and employees are hired. Lake County is also offering additional local incentives.