John Deere announced plans to open two new U.S.-based facilities — in Indiana and North Carolina — an expansion the company says will create more than 300 jobs and increase its domestic manufacturing and distribution capacity.
The announcement comes as the equipment maker has faced scrutiny over workforce reductions in the Midwest and questions from farmers and lawmakers about its long-term commitment to U.S. manufacturing amid expanded operations in Mexico.
The expansion includes a new parts distribution center near Hebron, Indiana, and a new excavator manufacturing facility in Kernersville, North Carolina. Both facilities 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.”
Indiana parts distribution center
John Deere recently broke ground on a new distribution center near Hebron, Indiana, aimed at strengthening the company’s supply chain and improve parts availability nationwide. The facility is expected to employ approximately 150 workers.
“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 to operate its primary North American Parts Distribution Center in Milan, Illinois, which has been in operation since 1973 and employs approximately 1,200 people.
Excavator manufacturing facility in North Carolina
The company also announced plans for a $70 million excavator manufacturing facility in Kernersville, North Carolina. The plant will produce future-generation excavators for the construction market, with production shifting from overseas manufacturing to the United States.
The North Carolina facility is expected to employ more than 150 people and will utilize advanced manufacturing technologies to support equipment demand and domestic production.
“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.”
Expansions follow workplace reductions
The announcement follows a year of significant workforce reductions across several John Deere facilities, particularly in Iowa and Illinois. Since April 2024, the company has eliminated roughly 2,200 jobs in Iowa alone, citing lower equipment demand and challenging agricultural market conditions.
In September 2025, John Deere confirmed additional layoffs affecting more than 140 employees at its Waterloo and Ankeny, Iowa, operations. The company has said production schedules are adjusted based on seasonal demand and order volumes.
At the same time, Deere has faced criticism from some farm groups and policymakers over expanding manufacturing operations in Mexico, raising concerns about the balance between domestic and international production.
Company executives have maintained that recent investments signal a long-term commitment to U.S. manufacturing. During a 2025 earnings call, John Deere reaffirmed plans to invest approximately $20 billion in U.S. operations over the next decade, including factory upgrades, workforce development, and new production capacity.
“These investments reflect our confidence in the future of U.S. manufacturing and our commitment to innovation, quality, and job creation,” said John May, chairman and chief executive officer of John Deere.
