John Deere announced a $70 million investment to build an excavator manufacturing facility in Kernersville, North Carolina, relocating production from Japan and creating over 150 American jobs. This move is a major component of the company’s $20 billion commitment to U.S. manufacturing over the next decade and is being highlighted as a significant victory for domestic production and a reversal of decades of manufacturing losses to foreign competitors. The facility will produce the only excavators designed, developed, and fully manufactured in the United States.
Story Highlights
- John Deere commits $70 million to build excavator factory in Kernersville, North Carolina, relocating production from Japan.
- New facility creates over 150 American jobs as part of company’s $20 billion U.S. manufacturing pledge.
- President Trump highlighted the announcement as validation of his America First manufacturing agenda.
- Excavators will be the only ones designed, developed, and fully manufactured in the United States.
Manufacturing Returns Home Under Trump Administration
John Deere announced on January 27, 2026, plans to construct a $70 million manufacturing facility in Kernersville, North Carolina, shifting excavator production from Japan back to American soil. The facility will create more than 150 jobs and produce equipment previously manufactured overseas, representing a significant victory for domestic manufacturing. President Trump personally announced the investment during an Iowa appearance, emphasizing the accomplishment as proof his administration’s policies are reversing decades of job losses to foreign competitors.
MADE IN AMERICA 🇺🇸
President Donald J. Trump announces @JohnDeere will be building two new major factories in the United States, including a $70 million factory in North Carolina to move excavator production BACK to America. pic.twitter.com/qozn7QdRSD
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 27, 2026
Part of Broader American Investment Strategy
The North Carolina facility represents one component of John Deere’s ambitious $20 billion commitment to U.S. manufacturing over the next decade. Alongside the excavator plant, the company is investing $125 million in a new parts distribution center in Lake County, Indiana, adding another 150 jobs. The Indiana facility, which broke ground on January 27, strategically positions near Interstate 65 to enhance nationwide distribution efficiency. Combined, these projects demonstrate how the Trump administration’s economic policies incentivize corporations to prioritize American workers over cheaper foreign labor markets.
Reversing Globalist Trade Failures
For years, American families watched helplessly as corporations chased profits overseas, abandoning communities that built their success. John Deere’s decision to reshore excavator production from Japan directly contradicts the globalist narrative that manufacturing must remain offshore to stay competitive. The Kernersville expansion builds on an existing John Deere campus, leveraging North Carolina’s thriving manufacturing sector and skilled workforce. This reshoring trend, accelerating under Trump’s leadership, proves American workers can compete when government policies support rather than sabotage domestic industry.
Economic Impact for Working Families
The 150-plus manufacturing jobs coming to Kernersville offer above-average wages typical of skilled industrial positions, providing financial stability for families frustrated by inflation from previous administration’s reckless spending. North Carolina workers gain opportunities in advanced manufacturing technology, while the facility strengthens regional supply chains and reduces dependence on foreign production vulnerable to disruption. John Deere Chairman and CEO John May stated the investments demonstrate the company’s commitment to bolstering “the backbone of American industry,” language that resonates with conservatives who understand manufacturing forms the foundation of national economic security and independence.
Only American-Made Excavator in Production
John Deere’s excavators produced at the Kernersville facility will hold a unique distinction as the only models designed, developed, and fully manufactured in the United States. This achievement showcases American engineering excellence and manufacturing capability that globalists claimed was impossible without offshore production. Ryan Campbell, President of Worldwide Construction and Forestry at John Deere, emphasized the facility “advances Kernersville’s rich manufacturing legacy,” acknowledging communities that maintained industrial expertise despite decades of policy failures. The project validates what conservatives have long argued: given proper support, American workers and facilities can outperform any global competitor while keeping jobs and prosperity at home.
Watch the report: President Trump Announces a Historic New John Deere Investment
Sources:
- Deere to Move Excavator Production From Japan to North Carolina – Bloomberg
- Deere announces two new U.S. plants – High Plains Journal
- John Deere Announces Major Expansion – Morning Ag Clips
