Deere & Co. to expand in Russia

Deere & Co. has announced it plans to expand its farm, forestry and construction operations in Russia, where the company has had a presence for about 130 years.

Samuel R. Allen, president and chief operating officer of Deere & Co., is representing Deere at The Russia - USA Business Forum and will meet with government officials and reporters in Moscow to “emphasize Deere's commitment to Russia.”

"We share the vision that Russia can make a significant and sustainable contribution to help meet the world's growing demand for food, energy and forest products," said Allen. "John Deere is working to expand its Russian manufacturing of agricultural equipment by early 2010. Ultimately, with the support of the government of the Russian Federation, Deere could envision a series of significant investments over the next five to seven years in expanded capacity for manufacturing and supporting all types of Deere equipment."

During its presence in Russia, Deere has developed a dealer network across the country for its agricultural and forestry products. The company has a manufacturing operation in Orenburg that provides seeding and tillage equipment to the Russian market and exports to other locations. The company is also developing an operations, training and parts center near Kaluga.

Deere and its independent dealers have a work force of about 2,000 people in Russia, including technicians, engineers and agronomists.

Earlier this year, the company introduced a line of construction equipment into Russia. Between now and spring 2010, Deere expects to invest in manufacturing facilities for tractors, construction, forestry and harvesting equipment