John Deere to Close Pair of Iowa Factories

John Deere, the prominent farm equipment manufacturer, announced on November 4 its intent to close two factories located in Iowa over the course of the next two years. By October 28, 2028, the company plans to cease operations at its Ottumwa-based plant, relocating those functions to a location in Ankeny, Iowa. Similarly, the Clarion, Iowa factory is scheduled to shut down by October 30, 2028, with its production line being moved to a facility in Thibodaux, Louisiana.

The decision to downsize and consolidate operations stems from John Deere's ongoing efforts to assess its manufacturing footprint in light of evolving markets, technologies, and customer expectations. The company aims to streamline its operations and expand capacity in areas that create the most value. Moreover, the company intends to consolidate sugar cane harvester production from Louisiana to Catalão, Brazil, in the 2029 fiscal year, to better serve the expanding customer base in South America.

John Deere reassured employees and union representatives that the company does not anticipate any production disruptions as a result of these changes. Simultaneously, the corporation reiterated its commitment to U.S. manufacturing, having already pledged to invest $20 billion in domestic production in 2025. This investment includes plans to broaden its American manufacturing presence, increase its U.S. workforce, and upgrade facilities across more than a dozen states.