KERNERSVILLE, N.C. — John Deere is expanding its operations in Forsyth County. The company will invest $70 million to build a new factory, an expansion of its John Deere Kernersville campus.
The company said the city is in a great spot for expansion. Kernersville is close to key markets, strong infrastructure, and of course connectivity to highways, seaports, and airports.
"Often we see manufacturers looking at our area. One for logistics. We're in a great position within the eastern seaboard. We have incredible connectivity, incredible interstate access so getting their product on the road but also getting their supplies to the facility is just really ideal in this location. We're within 650 miles over half of the U .S. population from Forsyth County," said Ellis Keifer, Vice President of Economic Development for Greater Winston-Salem Inc.
John Deere expects to add 150 jobs to the new factory by 2030. The new location will make small excavators.
Greater Winston-Salem Inc. said in addition to the new jobs, the expansion will create additional opportunities.
"We're looking at that direct impact, but for a project this size and in particularly in this industry, we can estimate a ripple effect of about 100 additional jobs," said Keifer.
John Deere announced plans last summer to set up an electric power-train site in Kernersville, making it the new North American headquarters for battery production.
Currently, about 600 people work at the Kernersville campus.
“We are excited about Deere and Company’s commitment to Kernersville,” says Mark Owens, President and CEO of Greater Winston-Salem, Inc. “With a strong talent pipeline and large industry presence in advanced manufacturing in this area, we hope it is an easy decision for companies like John Deere to continue to locate and grow here.”
Construction for the new John Deere facility will begin later this year with production expected to start in 2030.
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