John Deere to close Ottumwa factory; Dubuque Works among plants under review

John Deere will close its Ottumwa factory and is evaluating its Dubuque Works for what the company calls strategic sourcing opportunities, the company announced Wednesday in a manufacturing realignment it says is designed to strengthen its U.S. operations. Windrower production moves from Ottumwa to Des Moines by the end of fiscal year 2027 and round baler production follows by the end of fiscal year 2028, after which Deere will close the Ottumwa plant, according to the announcement reported by KYOU in Ottumwa and carried by KCRG. Deere is also ending operations at its Hagie factory in Clarion by fiscal year 2029 and moving small planter production from Moline, Illinois, to Paton in central Iowa. In the Construction and Forestry Division, which includes Dubuque Works, Deere says it is evaluating strategic sourcing opportunities to strengthen competitiveness, increase flexibility, manage costs, and increase investment in areas including product development, technology, field sales and customer support. The company cited changes in customer demand and available manufacturing capabilities, saying the changes position it for long-term growth. The announcement does not state any job numbers. It comes shortly after Deere announced hiring at its Ottumwa facility, a turnabout the KYOU report notes. Deere most recently posted a $1.3 billion profit, up $100 million from a year ago.