John Deere is making a massive commitment to U.S. manufacturing with a plan to invest nearly $20 billion over the next decade. The farm equipment giant says the move will expand production, modernize factories, and bring advanced technology to its operations—keeping more jobs and innovation at home.
Key Facts:
- John Deere will invest nearly $20 billion in U.S. operations over the next 10 years.
- The plan includes new product development, advanced manufacturing, and “cutting-edge” technology.
- Current projects include a $70 million excavator plant in North Carolina, a $40 million sprayer expansion in Iowa, and a $150 million combine upgrade in Illinois.
- Around 80% of U.S. sales and 25% of international sales come from products made domestically.
- John Deere employs about 30,000 people in the U.S., with dealerships adding another 50,000 jobs.
The Rest of The Story:
John Deere’s new investment strategy reflects both its historic roots and its forward-looking ambitions. Founded in 1837 in Illinois, the company has long been a symbol of American manufacturing, producing equipment that supports farmers, ranchers, and builders.
The $20 billion commitment will fund a mix of projects, from new factory construction to major upgrades of existing plants. One key initiative is a $70 million factory in Kernersville, North Carolina, dedicated to excavator production. In Des Moines, Iowa, a $40 million expansion now supports See & Spray sprayers, which use AI-driven vision systems to target weeds precisely.
In East Moline, Illinois, a $150 million renovation has enabled the production of X9 combines, which can increase harvesting capacity by roughly 45%. According to Deere & Co. executive Cory Reed, these innovations are designed to make customers’ work easier and more efficient.
John Deere’s operations are deeply tied to the U.S. economy. Nearly four-fifths of its domestic sales and a quarter of its international sales are tied to American-made products. Its employment footprint includes direct hires, dealership jobs, and apprenticeship programs that help high school students enter skilled trades. The company also actively hires military veterans.
📍 U.S.A. pic.twitter.com/3skcI8mYrL
— John Deere USA (@JohnDeere) May 15, 2025
Commentary:
This move is a clear signal that U.S.-based manufacturing can compete globally when the right incentives are in place. Large-scale investments like this don’t happen unless there’s confidence in the long-term stability of the American industrial climate.
Tariff structures and trade policies over the past several years have encouraged companies to keep production inside U.S. borders. For John Deere, this isn’t just about patriotism—it’s a strategic decision to protect market share and reduce dependency on overseas supply chains.
The decision also shows that heavy industry sees America as a place where investment will pay off. In sectors like agriculture and construction, where reliability is critical, domestic production gives companies tighter control over quality and delivery timelines.
This strategy benefits the broader economy as well. New factories mean thousands of direct jobs and tens of thousands more through suppliers and dealers. It strengthens communities, builds skills, and keeps the manufacturing tax base local.
Technology investments—like AI-powered sprayers—also position the U.S. to lead in precision agriculture, an area where innovation can boost yields, reduce waste, and strengthen food security.
If this trend spreads, the country could be on the verge of a manufacturing resurgence. Instead of hollowed-out factory towns, we could see modern plants humming with activity, staffed by skilled American workers producing world-class equipment.
It’s also worth noting the broader geopolitical context. A stronger U.S. manufacturing base reduces vulnerability to global supply shocks and geopolitical disruptions. For strategic industries like farm equipment, that’s more than a business decision—it’s a national security consideration.
The numbers behind this investment—billions in capital, tens of thousands of jobs—are impressive. But the real story is the shift in mindset: that America is once again a smart place to build big things.
The Bottom Line:
John Deere’s $20 billion plan isn’t just a corporate growth strategy—it’s a statement about where the future of manufacturing belongs. By modernizing U.S. plants, building new facilities, and investing in advanced technology, the company is betting that American production will remain competitive for decades to come. If more companies follow this path, the U.S. could see a new era of industrial strength and economic resilience.
