John Deere Announces Iowa Plant Closures, Production Moves Through 2029

Key Points:

• John Deere announced plans to close its Ottumwa, Iowa, plant by the end of 2028 and its Hagie plant in Clarion, Iowa, by the end of 2029, relocating production to Des Moines and Thibodaux, Louisiana, respectively.
• Windrower and round-baler production will move to Des Moines by 2027 and 2028, while STS sprayer production will shift to Louisiana starting in 2028, with no expected headcount reduction at the Louisiana facility.
• The company employs over 300 workers at Ottumwa and more than 200 at Clarion, with potential job impacts dependent on future business conditions; transition support including transfers, retraining, and severance will be provided.
• John Deere also plans to move sugar cane harvester production from Louisiana to Brazil in 2029 and small planter production from Moline, Illinois, to Paton, Iowa, in 2027 as part of strategic sourcing and manufacturing realignment.
• Despite these changes, Deere emphasizes its commitment to U.S. manufacturing, aiming to concentrate investments in modern facilities to enhance competitiveness, support jobs, and maintain product quality and customer service.