John Deere Acquires Deere-Hitachi Factories, Begins New License and Supply Agreements with Hitachi
On February 28, 2022, John Deere (NYSE: DE) announced its acquisition of full ownership of three Deere-Hitachi joint venture factories. This marks the end of the joint venture manufacturing and marketing agreements with Hitachi Construction Machinery, initially announced in August 2021. The factories will now produce only Deere-branded construction excavators and forestry equipment, discontinuing Hitachi-branded products. Deere aims to leverage this acquisition to enhance its product capabilities and respond more rapidly to customer needs.
- John Deere gains full control over excavator design, enhancing product integration.
- New supply agreements ensure a full portfolio of excavators while simplifying operations.
- Discontinuation of Hitachi-branded products may lead to a loss of market share in that segment.
- Ending of the marketing arrangement could disrupt established dealer relationships.
MOLINE, Ill., Feb. 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- John Deere (NYSE: DE) has acquired full ownership of three Deere-Hitachi joint venture factories and has begun new license and supply agreements with Hitachi Construction Machinery. Effective today, the two companies have ended their joint venture manufacturing and marketing agreements.
The changes were announced in August 2021 and were contingent upon regulatory approvals.
- The former joint venture factories will continue to manufacture Deere-branded construction excavators and forestry equipment; they will discontinue production of Hitachi-branded products. The locations will now be referred to as:
- John Deere Kernersville, Kernersville, N.C.
- John Deere Specialty Products, Langley, British Columbia, Canada
- John Deere Brasil Escavadeiras, Indaiatuba, Brazil
- Through a new supply agreement with Hitachi, Deere will continue to offer a full portfolio of excavators.
- Deere's marketing arrangement for Hitachi-branded construction excavators and mining equipment in the Americas has ended; Hitachi has assumed distribution and support of these products. Deere dealers may continue to support their existing field population of Hitachi-branded excavators.
With the completion of this acquisition, John Deere now controls its excavator design, product, and feature updates, making it possible to more rapidly respond to customer requirements and integrate excavators with other Deere construction products.
"As we launch this new chapter, our legacy of innovation continues," John Stone, president, John Deere Construction & Forestry Division and Power Systems, said. "Going forward, we can leverage technology developed for other product lines and production systems across the Deere enterprise and extend those advanced solutions to Deere-designed excavators, strengthening the entire product portfolio.
"We continue our mission to answer the fundamental need for smarter, safer, and more sustainable construction so our customers can shape tomorrow's world."
About John Deere
Deere & Company (www.JohnDeere.com) is a world leader in providing advanced products, technology, and services for customers whose work is revolutionizing agriculture and construction — those who cultivate, harvest, transform, enrich, and build upon the land to meet the world's increasing need for food, fuel, shelter, and infrastructure.
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SOURCE Deere & Company
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