John Deere to move mower conditioner production from Iowa to Mexico

Aug 08, 2023

John Deere has announced it will be moving mower conditioner production from the John Deere Ottumwa Works in Iowa to its existing hay and forage mower factory in Monterrey, Mexico.

Deere is making this move to consolidate its hay and forage mowing implements to a single location where it has the existing production capacity and complimentary manufacturing capabilities, according to a statement from the company. This is part of a revitalization plan for the Ottumwa, Iowa plant.

The decision to move production from Iowa to Mexico comes after John Deere announced it would be moving cab production from its facility in Waterloo, Iowa, to Ramos Component Works in Mexico.

The Ottumwa Works facility has about 80 production and 10 salaried employees supporting mower conditioner production at normal volumes. The facility also produces round balers, self-propelled windrowers, and square balers, and has 800 total employees who work in production and salary roles.

John Deere isn't sure of the exact number of employees that will be impacted by the move, saying it will depend on overall Ottumwa Works production when mower conditioner production ends.

The move will take place sometime over the next 18 months, according to Deere. The company has not yet revealed details of its revitalization plan for the Ottumwa Works facility.