John Deere Inaugurates Two New Manufacturing Facilities in Brazil

INDAIATUBA, Sao Paulo (Feb. 13, 2014) – The John Deere Construction & Forestry Division marked the completion of two manufacturing facilities in Indaiatuba-SP, Brazil. John Deere will manufacture its backhoe loaders and wheel loaders in one location and excavators, in partnership with Hitachi Construction Machinery, in the other. Customers in Brazil have utilized John Deere agriculture equipment for over 60 years and the expansion marks a significant investment in the company’s construction business in the market.

“As one of the fastest growing construction equipment markets in the world, Brazil offers a great opportunity for John Deere Construction equipment,” said Michael Mack, president, John Deere Construction & Forestry. “The investment potential on infrastructure is very high in Brazil, which makes us confident in the success of this enterprise.”

Together with Hitachi Construction Machinery, John Deere invested approximately $180 million to build two manufacturing facilities that will meet the needs of the established John Deere dealer network that covers almost 90 percent of the Brazilian market. The project broke ground in December 2011 and was completed in a little over two years.

“What differentiates John Deere in Brazil is the commitment to actively listen to customer feedback and use it in product development,” said Roberto Marques, manager of the Construction Division, John Deere Brazil. “We aim to maintain a close relationship with our customers, using a highly qualified dealer network that’s always prepared to offer prompt service.”

Models that will be produced in John Deere’s exclusive plant include:
• Backhoe Loader: 310K
• Wheel Loaders: 524K, 544K, 624K, 644K and 724K

Models that will be produced in the excavator plant in partnership with Hitachi include:
• John Deere Excavators: 160G, 180G, 210G, 250G, 350G
• Hitachi Excavators: ZX160, ZX180, ZX210, ZX250 and ZX350

“The opening represents great advancements for our operations in Brazil,” said Michijiro Kikawa, chairman of the board, Hitachi Construction Machinery Corporation. “John Deere and Hitachi have a solid partnership, placing us at the forefront of the hydraulic excavator market.”

All John Deere equipment manufactured in Brazil will come standard with John Deere WorkSight.

John Deere will continue to import three crawler dozer models and two motor graders to the Brazil market.