Harvester making facility launched by John Deere in Punjab

Chandigarh, Jan 11 (PTI) Farm implement major Deere & Company today announced the launch of John Deere's first combine harvester manufacturing factory at Sirhind in Punjab at an investment of USD 30 million. "John Deere is committed to serving the needs of farmers around the world with equipment that helps them be more productive and to prosper," said Samuel R Allen, Chairman and CEO of Deere & Company. "Adding harvesting equipment to our product lineup for Indian customers helps John Deere better serve the total need of farmers in India for quality equipment," he said. He said total investment in self propelled harvesters making facility would go up to USD 30 million which would be done in phased manner. The optimum capacity of the plant would be 5,000 harvesters per annum and factory would employ as many as 300 workers in future. Punjab is considered the largest market for combines in India because of its leadership as a producer of grain and other commodities, he said. "Customers in India have found John Deere tractors to be valuable tools and we are confident that harvesting equipment will also provide opportunities for Indian farmers to enhance their success in agriculture," said Mark von Pentz, President of Deere’s Worldwide Agriculture & Turf Division. He said Deere has a long history with the Indian agricultural market, including sales of equipment in India approximately 60 years ago. Later, John Deere created a joint venture in 1997 in India and fully acquired the joint venture in 2005. In addition, Deere opened a technology and engineering center in Pune in 2005 and created a joint venture with Ashok Leyland to build construction machinery. Deere also inaugurated a John Deere Water facility in Baroda, India in early 2010.