John Deere Invests $13.5M in Missouri Reman Facility, Expands U.S. Manufacturing Footprint

John Deere is making another major move to strengthen its American manufacturing operations. The company recently announced a $13.5 million investment to expand its remanufacturing facility in Strafford, Missouri. The Strafford facility will grow by 120,000 sq ft, bringing its total footprint to nearly 400,000 sq ft. Construction is set to break ground in mid-2025, with completion expected in 2026. From the news release:

Kevin Schrag, the factory manager, sums it up perfectly: ”That’s a pretty big deal!”

Remanufacturing is a critical part of John Deere’s sustainability and service strategy. By refurbishing worn parts like engines, axles and electronic components, Deere offers cost-effective solutions that save customers up to 30 percent compared to new parts, while maintaining performance and warranty standards. The expansion will allow John Deere to build an even larger inventory of “core” components, speeding up turnaround times and helping dealerships operate more efficiently.

The core can be anything from large components like axles and engines to small parts like fuel nozzles and electronic displays. If a core doesn’t meet John Deere standards, it’s scrapped.

Deere’s Broader U.S. Investment Strategy

The Strafford project is just one piece of Deere’s broader investment strategy across its U.S. operations. Over the past several years, the company has announced significant upgrades and expansions to key manufacturing hubs.

Waterloo, Iowa:

• Added a new assembly line for High Horsepower 9RX tractors.
• Developed autonomous tractor technology, currently in limited production.
• Expanded employee training programs to fuel innovation and professional growth.
• Employees donated over 51,000 volunteer hours and $2 million to local causes.

East Moline, Illinois:

• Invested $149 million into Harvester Works to support production of the X9 Combine.
• Renovated 385,000 sq ft of factory space and installed new automation technologies.

Des Moines, Iowa:

• Completed a $40 million expansion of the large sprayer assembly location.
• Added 138,000 sq ft of space and integrated new testing capabilities, including See & Spray precision technology.

Moline, Illinois:

• Expanded the Seeding facility by 60,000 sq ft with a $10 million investment.
• Improved employee workspaces, collaboration zones and visitor experience areas.

Kernersville, North Carolina:

• Invested $70 million to build a new 380,000-sq-ft factory for small excavators.
• Expected to create over 150 new jobs to support the growing compact equipment market.

Manufacturing Investments Target Efficiency and Innovation

John Deere’s strategy is clear: invest in modern, flexible manufacturing facilities that can deliver the precision products today’s customers demand. Robotics, advanced welding, upgraded testing centers and ergonomic production lines are now a common theme in Deere’s revamped factories. These efforts are not just about growing production capacity. They aim to sharpen quality control, improve employee safety, enhance operational efficiency and better meet the evolving needs of customers in agriculture, construction, and landscaping.

Deere’s Commitment to U.S. Manufacturing Continues

With the $13.5 million Strafford expansion and other major projects, John Deere continues to double down on its commitment to American manufacturing. The company’s investments are reshaping its footprint and ensuring that its next generation of products — from compact excavators to massive 9RX tractors — are built with innovation, efficiency and customer success in mind. Compact Equipment will continue tracking these developments as Deere advances its manufacturing modernization efforts.

Keith Gribbins is publisher of Compact Equipment.

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