February 13, 2014 – The John Deere Construction & Forestry Division marked the completion of two world-class manufacturing facilities in Indaiatuba-SP, Brazil. John Deere will manufacture 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.”