Valley City, ND (KCSi-T.V. News) — Ground breaking was held Tuesday morning (Nov 27, 2012) at the John Deere factory in Valley City, along I-94, for its $20 million plant expansion, to meet the growing worldwide customer demand for John Deere products. Video of event posted below.

The factory makes air seeders and tillage equipment that is exported to 23 countries, and currently employees more than 350 workers, including another 65 employees added in 2012.

When the expansion is complete, an additional 50-100 employees will be added to the Valley City plant’s workforce. Valley City plant manager David Bradford said the expansion should be completed in 2014.  (More below video)

 

Governor Jack Dalrymple and other dignitaries attended the groundbreaking of the new 100,000-square-foot addition, which will increase the facility’s size to more than 325,000 square feet and could bring an additional 50-100 new jobs to the region.

Dalrymple says, “This expansion means more production capacity for John Deere Seeding Group and more jobs and economic opportunities for Valley City and the region. The growth of this manufacturing plant is a testament to the community, our quality workforce and North Dakota’s strong business climate.”

Dalrymple met with Deere & Company officials and encouraged them to support the company’s growing production demand by expanding in North Dakota.

In August, Dalrymple and state Commerce Commissioner Al Anderson met with the Valley City plant’s manager, David Bradford, other John Deere employees and toured the Valley City plant.

John Deere, Agriculture Solutions, President, John May said, “This expansion is another important step as we continue to respond to the growing worldwide demand for John Deere products. Our investment to support this growth is possible in part because of the region-wide cooperation we’ve received from the City of Valley City, state of North Dakota and our employees.”

Deere & Company is among several manufacturers expanding in North Dakota. Other manufacturing expansions include: Steffes Corp. in Grand Forks, ComDel Innovation in Wahpeton, Harris Machine in Oakes, Bobcat in Bismarck and Summers Manufacturing in Devils Lake.

The I-94 Regional Development Corridor, a 77-acre site, includes the new North Dakota National Guard facilities, on 20 acres east of John Deere Seeding, and the availability for private sector development.

The Corridor includes the extension of all utilities from John Deere Seeding Group to the east I-94 interchange at Exit 294.

The Barnes County Development Corporation entered into a Purchase Agreement.