Trump announces John Deere facility coming to NC

On Jan. 27, President Donald Trump announced that John Deere would move production from a facility in Japan to Kernersville. But, North Carolina will not be the only state with a new John Deere facility; a state-of-the-art distribution facility was also announced for Hebron, Indiana, in the same announcement. 

“I think it’s going to pay off very, very big,” said Trump, during the announcement. “If it doesn’t, I have nothing to do with it, but if it does, I’m going to take full credit… This is going to be the only excavator entirely made in the United States of America.”

John Deere is one of the nation’s largest manufacturers of heavy farm equipment and employs 30,000 people across 60 facilities nationwide.

MADE IN AMERICA 🇺🇸

President Donald J. Trump announces @JohnDeere will be building two new major factories in the United States, including a $70 million factory in North Carolina to move excavator production BACK to America. pic.twitter.com/qozn7QdRSD

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 27, 2026

The Kernersville facility will be an excavator production facility manufacturing the only excavator designed, developed, and manufactured in the United States. The Kernersville facility will be a $70 million investment that is expected to employ more than 150 people.  

“Our investment in these new facilities underscores John Deere’s dedication to strengthening the backbone of American industry and supporting local economies,” John May, chairman and chief executive officer of John Deere, said in a press release. “We believe in building America, and these projects represent our intent to continue driving innovation and job creation in the United States.

According to Reuters, in 2024, under the Biden administration, John Deere announced a commitment to invest in Kernersville, creating the same number of jobs. When asked whether Trump’s announcement referred to the same plans announced under the Biden administration, John Deere said some of the company’s plans had been disclosed earlier by officials.  

“These investments further demonstrate our commitment to invest $20B in US manufacturing over the next 10 years,” continued May. “It is a testament to our confidence in the future of US manufacturing and our unwavering commitment to innovation, quality, and economic growth.”

In August, John Deere reported that its net income was down 29% from a year earlier, due to the impact of tariffs. The company reported $300 million in tariff-related costs and expected an additional $300 million by the end of the year. 

“We are excited to bring this new facility to our Kernersville campus and to be part of the region’s thriving manufacturing community,” John Deere worldwide construction and forestry and power systems president Ryan Campbell said in a press release. “Our focus will be on delivering excellence, creating jobs, and advancing the legacy of John Deere in American manufacturing.”

John Deere plans to open both facilities in 2027. 

“Trump announces John Deere facility coming to NC” was originally published on www.carolinajournal.com.