Deere Moving More Production to Mexico

John Deere has announced it will move some production from Ottumwa to Mexico by the end of 2023, but simultaneously announced plans to revitalize its Ottumwa plant for the future.

The company announced that over the next 18 months, mower conditioner production will transition from Ottumwa Works to the company’s existing hay and forage mower factory in Monterrey, Mexico, 1,100 miles away.

The number of employees impacted is not yet known, the company said. The ultimate number will depend on potential reassignment opportunities once the move is made and overall production levels at the John Deere Ottumwa Works plant.

Dan Bernick, the company’s public relations manager, told the Ottumwa Courier the move consolidates the company’s mowing implements to a single location with “existing production capacity and complimentary manufacturing competencies.”

Last month, in an email sent to Waterloo employees, Deere announced that the “production of all cabs, welding and assembly, for current and future products” will be also be moved to Mexico.