John Deere announced that some production will be moved from Ottumwa to Mexico by the end of 2023, but also announced plans to upgrade its Ottumwa plant in the future.
The company announced Thursday that over the next 18 months, John Deere’s conditioner mower production will be moved from the Ottumwa Works to the company’s existing hay and forage mower plant in Monterrey, Mexico, 1,100 miles away.
According to the company, the number of employees affected is not yet known. The final number will depend on potential reassignment opportunities after the move and overall production levels at the John Deere Ottumwa Works.
Dan Bernick, the company’s public relations manager, told the Ottumwa Courier that the move combines the company’s mowers in one location with “existing production capacity and additional manufacturing competencies.”
The Ottumwa plant also makes round balers, self-propelled harvesters and bale balers. Bernick said the company is also investing in the Ottumwa plant. On Thursday, the company also announced plans to form a committee to develop plans to “revitalize” the facility in the future. The company says this will include a focus on other products it makes at the Ottumwa plant, particularly “using new processes and technology to further improve quality and productivity.”
Deere does not expect the changes to seriously affect dealers, customers, suppliers and service providers.
Recall that John Deere previously announced plans to relocate tractor cab production from Waterloo in Ramos, Mexico