John Deere, the iconic American farm‑equipment maker, disclosed a multi‑year plan to consolidate manufacturing in Iowa. The company said it will close the Ottumwa plant by the end of fiscal year 2028, moving windrower production to its Des Moines Works facility by the end of fiscal year 2027 and shifting round‑baler production to the same site by fiscal year 2028.
Clarion Hagie factory to cease operations
In addition, Deere announced that the Hagie STS sprayer line, currently produced at the Clarion plant, will be relocated to a factory in Louisiana. “As a result, Deere intends to end manufacturing operations at the Hagie factory in Clarion, Iowa, by fiscal year 2029,” the company said.
Other production moves
The firm also indicated that small‑planter production from its Moline, Illinois, facility will be transferred to the John Deere plant in Paton, Iowa. These changes are presented as a way to align capacity with regional customer demand and to leverage advanced manufacturing capabilities.
Commitment to U.S. manufacturing
Deere’s press release emphasized that the restructuring reaffirms the company’s commitment to U.S. manufacturing. “By concentrating investments in modern, high‑use facilities, Deere intends to preserve and expand critical U.S. manufacturing capabilities, enhance competitiveness, support American manufacturing jobs, and maintain its ability to invest through business cycles while continuing to serve customers well into the future,” the statement read.
Impact on Iowa workers
While the closures will affect jobs at the Ottumwa and Clarion sites, Deere highlighted recent hiring activity in the state. Last week the company called back 275 workers to its Waterloo operations and announced plans to hire roughly 400 additional employees across factories in eastern Iowa.
Local response
Local officials and community leaders have expressed concern about the loss of jobs in Ottumwa and Clarion, urging Deere to consider workforce‑transition programs and partnerships with local technical schools. The company has not yet detailed specific assistance for displaced workers, but it noted that the overall restructuring aims to strengthen its long‑term presence in the United States.
What’s next
The announced timeline gives the affected facilities several years to plan and implement the transitions. Deere will continue to operate its remaining Iowa plants, including the large Des Moines Works complex, which is expected to see increased production volume as windrower and baler lines move there.
Stakeholders will be watching how the company balances consolidation with its stated goal of supporting American manufacturing jobs, especially in the heartland communities that have long relied on Deere as a major employer.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
