President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that agricultural and construction equipment manufacturer John Deere will invest $70 million to build a new excavator factory in North Carolina, calling the move a “historic investment” in American manufacturing.
Trump revealed the announcement during remarks in Clive, Iowa, where he highlighted economic growth and affordability under his administration. During his speech, the president joked about taking credit for the project if it succeeds.
“And I think it’s going to pay off very, very big. And if it doesn’t, I have nothing to do with it,” Trump said, drawing laughter from the crowd. “But if it does, I’m going to take…full credit.”
Trump also emphasized the significance of domestic production, noting that the new facility will manufacture excavators entirely in the United States.
“I love those excavators, believe it or not, I know a lot about them. We don’t make them here. This is going to be the only excavator entirely made in the United States of America. I love it,” he said.
Shortly after the president’s remarks, John Deere confirmed the investment in a press release, stating that the new plant will be located in Kernersville, North Carolina, and is expected to open in 2026. According to the company, the Kernersville campus will shift manufacturing and production operations from overseas, specifically Japan, to the United States.
The facility will produce what the company described as the only excavator “designed, developed, and manufactured in the U.S.” The project is expected to support more than 150 jobs in the region.
“We are excited to bring this new facility to our Kernersville campus and to be part of the region’s thriving manufacturing community,” said Ryan Campbell, president of Deere & Company Worldwide Construction & Forestry and Power Systems. “Our focus will be on delivering excellence, creating jobs, and advancing the legacy of John Deere in American manufacturing.”
In addition to the North Carolina investment, John Deere announced it has begun construction on a new distribution center near Hebron, Indiana. That facility is expected to open later this year and employ approximately 150 workers.
“Our investment in these new facilities underscores John Deere’s dedication to strengthening the backbone of American industry and supporting local economies,” said John May, chairman and chief executive officer of John Deere. “We believe in building America, and these projects represent our intent to continue driving innovation and job creation in the United States.”
The announcements mark a significant expansion of John Deere’s U.S.-based manufacturing footprint and come amid broader efforts to encourage domestic production and job growth.
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Big dfdeal…150 people will benefit. What we need is everyday item manufacturing to return to the United States, so we little people benefit…all 250 million of us, not 150. I mean, who is going to rush out and purchase a million dollar excavator for their back yard?!!! We need TV’s, washing machines, refridgerators, light bulb, toothbrushes, toothpaste…you get the idea. ***THEN* we would reap the benefits of U.S. manufacturing