The USA Leaders
November 5, 2026
Ottumwa and Clarion, Iowa – John Deere plans to close two factories in Iowa as part of changes to its manufacturing operations. The John Deere Iowa plants closure plan affects its Ottumwa Works factory and Hagie manufacturing facility in Clarion. The company will gradually move equipment production to other locations between 2027 and 2029.
Windrower and round-baler production will move from Ottumwa to Des Moines Works in Ankeny, Iowa. Meanwhile, Hagie STS sprayer production will shift from Clarion to Thibodaux, Louisiana.
The John Deere manufacturing overhaul also includes changes to other production facilities in Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, and Brazil. Deere says these adjustments will help align manufacturing capacity with customer demand and support investment in modern production facilities.
What Does the John Deere Iowa Plants Closure Plan Include?
The John Deere Iowa plants closure plan will move production from the Ottumwa and Clarion factories to other facilities before both plants close.
According to John Deere’s official announcement, the changes will happen in stages.
| Location | Planned change | Timeline |
| Ottumwa, Iowa | Windrower production moves to Ankeny | End of FY2027 |
| Ottumwa, Iowa | Round-baler production moves to Ankeny | End of FY2028 |
| Clarion, Iowa | Hagie STS sprayer production moves to Louisiana | Beginning FY2028 |
| Clarion, Iowa | Manufacturing operations end | End of FY2029 |
| Moline, Illinois | Small planter production moves to Paton, Iowa | FY2027 |
| Thibodaux, Louisiana | Sugar cane harvester production moves to Brazil | FY2029 |
These changes will reshape the company’s Iowa manufacturing facilities while shifting selected production lines closer to other manufacturing operations and customer markets.
Why Is John Deere Changing Its Manufacturing Operations?
John Deere is changing its manufacturing operations to improve efficiency, match production capacity with customer demand, and expand the use of modern manufacturing technologies.
John Deere regularly reviews its manufacturing network as customer needs, markets, and technology evolve.
The John Deere manufacturing overhaul focuses on four main areas:
- Production efficiency: Consolidating selected manufacturing activities at other facilities.
- Modern technology: Expanding automation and advanced manufacturing capabilities.
- Capacity management: Making better use of available factory space and equipment.
- Cost competitiveness: Improving operational flexibility and managing production costs.
John Deere also cited changing customer demand and available manufacturing capacity as reasons for the decisions.
According to John Deere’s announcement of Iowa plant closures, it wants to concentrate investment in modern, high-use facilities while maintaining its long-term manufacturing capabilities in the United States.
How Will John Deere Factory Closures Affect Iowa Workers?
John Deere’s factory changes could affect about 300 jobs at normal production levels, depending on business conditions and staffing needs.
John Deere says it will provide support during the transition. This may include internal job transfers, retraining, relocation assistance, retention offers, severance benefits, and career-transition support.
John Deere also plans to work with employees, union representatives where applicable, and local community leaders.
The John Deere factory closures will therefore involve more than moving production equipment. The transition will also require planning around employees, existing manufacturing sites, and future uses for the facilities.
How will John Deere Production Relocation Impact Farmers and Customers?
John Deere’s production relocation is not expected to interrupt customer service, according to the company. It says it will work to maintain equipment quality, availability, and service throughout the transition.
Farmers will continue to get windrowers, round balers, and Hagie STS sprayers from their new manufacturing locations.
John Deere’s production changes also show how agricultural equipment production depends on manufacturing capacity, customer demand, and investment in technology.
By consolidating selected production lines, Deere aims to make its manufacturing network more flexible. These changes aim to help its Iowa and other factories serve customers better.
How Will the John Deere Manufacturing Overhaul Change Its Factories?
The John Deere manufacturing overhaul will continue through 2029, with production moving to other factories before the two Iowa plants close.
Windrower production is scheduled to move first, followed by round balers. Hagie STS sprayer production will move to Louisiana in fiscal year 2028, and the Clarion factory is expected to close by fiscal year 2029.
The John Deere Iowa plants closure plan includes moving production to other factories and supporting affected employees during the transition.
These changes show how agricultural equipment makers are updating their factories to meet customer needs and support future growth.
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