American manufacturing giant John Deere commits $20 billion to U.S. expansion after facing heavy criticism for outsourcing production to Mexico and threats of 200% tariffs from President Trump.
Key Takeaways
- John Deere announced a $20 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing over the next decade, creating jobs across 16 states while operating 60 facilities
- The investment includes major factory expansions in Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Iowa, with 30,000 U.S. workers directly employed
- This massive commitment follows public criticism and pressure from President Trump, who threatened 200% tariffs on Deere equipment manufactured outside America
- Since 2019, John Deere has already invested $2.5 billion in U.S. factories and $80 billion in American suppliers
- Beyond manufacturing, the John Deere Foundation has pledged $200 million by 2031 and has placed 450 U.S. military veterans into jobs
America First Manufacturing Commitment
In a decisive win for American manufacturing, agricultural machinery giant John Deere has announced plans to invest $20 billion in the United States over the next decade. The commitment, unveiled by CEO John May during the company’s second-quarter 2025 earnings call, represents a significant reinforcement of domestic production capabilities at a time when many manufacturers continue moving operations offshore. This investment comes as a direct response to mounting pressure from the Trump administration regarding overseas production and signals a potential shift in how major American corporations approach domestic manufacturing investment in the current political climate.
“John Deere chairman and CEO John May unveiled a commitment to invest $20 billion in the United States over the next 10 years, underlining its dedication to American workers, communities and manufacturing, according to the company,” said John May, CEO of John Deere.
The massive investment plan follows significant public criticism of John Deere’s previous decisions to shift some production to Mexico, highlighting growing concerns about American manufacturing job losses. President Trump had directly threatened the company with a punitive 200% tariff on machinery made outside the United States, putting immense pressure on the agricultural equipment manufacturer to reconsider its production strategies. This announcement demonstrates the effectiveness of the administration’s America First manufacturing policies in influencing corporate decision-making at the highest levels.
John Deere pledges $20 billion investment in US over next decade | Roberto Wakerell-Cruz, The Post Millenial
"Through these efforts, John Deere continues to build strong local economies, expand career opportunities and support the people who build the country from the ground… pic.twitter.com/4bIunMj7RW
— Owen Gregorian (@OwenGregorian) May 23, 2025
Expanding American Facilities
The investment plan includes several major expansion projects across John Deere’s existing U.S. footprint. A 120,000-square-foot expansion of a remanufacturing facility in Missouri will significantly increase domestic production capacity. The company also plans a new excavator factory in Kernersville, North Carolina, an expansion of the Greeneville, Tennessee, turf equipment factory, and new assembly lines for the 9RX high-horsepower tractor in Waterloo, Iowa. These expansions will strengthen John Deere’s already substantial American manufacturing presence, which currently includes 60 facilities across more than 16 states.
“John Deere is pledging a $20 billion investment in the U.S. over the next 10 years, reinforcing its commitment to American workers and manufacturing,” stated John Deere.
The company’s recommitment to American manufacturing builds on an already substantial domestic investment history. Since 2019, John Deere has invested $2.5 billion in U.S. factories and an impressive $80 billion in American suppliers. In 2025 alone, the company invested $100 million in its U.S. manufacturing facilities. With 30,000 U.S.-based workers directly employed by John Deere and approximately 50,000 more employed by independent dealers, this investment secures tens of thousands of American jobs that might otherwise have been at risk from international competition or outsourcing.
Community Impact Beyond Manufacturing
Beyond the direct manufacturing investments, John Deere’s commitment to American communities extends to philanthropic and workforce development initiatives. The John Deere Foundation has committed $200 million by 2031 to support the communities where its employees live and work. The company has also placed 450 U.S. military veterans into jobs, demonstrating its commitment to supporting those who have served our country. With a $25 billion economic impact on its U.S. hometowns already, the additional investment will further strengthen the economic foundation of dozens of American communities.
“John Deere, a corporation that manufactures agricultural machinery, heavy equipment, forestry machinery, and lawn care equipment, pledges to invest $20 billion in America over the next decade,” said John May, Chairman and CEO of John Deere.
Interestingly, this renewed commitment to American manufacturing comes just months after John Deere updated its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in July 2024. While the company continues to emphasize certain progressive corporate policies, its massive investment in American jobs and communities demonstrates that economic nationalism and supporting American workers transcend typical political divisions. The $20 billion commitment represents a clear recognition that American manufacturing excellence remains central to the company’s identity and future success, regardless of other corporate initiatives.
