On the list of companies you think of when you think quintessential “American” companies, John Deere has got to be somewhere near the top.
Chevrolet, Coke, Budweiser, John Deere… ‘Merica.
However, as Ford has recently announced that they’ll be moving more and more production back to the Midwest, John Deere, is headed for the border.
According to the Des Moines Register, John Deere will be moving tractor cab production from Waterloo, Iowa, to Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, in 2024.
Citing the tight labor market and rising prices, John Deere says the move is about getting the workforce it needs:
“The decision to move cab production ensures the company can balance workforce needs within the tight labor market, while also ensuring Waterloo can open up floor space to manufacture new products.”
The move will also free up space in the Waterloo plant to make other products, however they declined to comment on what kind of new products that could be.
The plant employs about 1,500 people and roughly 250 are expected to lose their jobs.
Iowa Rep. Ras Smith called the move disappointing:
“It’s disappointing to see jobs leave the state, let alone the country… many of us grew up playing with green tractors because our moms and dads worked there.”
Based in Moline, Illinois (right across the Mississippi River) John Deere has more than 6,600 workers in Iowa, with several large plants across the state.
