Illinois-based equipment manufacturer John Deere has announced that it will invest $69.6 million to establish its North American electric powertrain headquarters in Kernersville (~15 minutes from downtown).
The company, along with Austrian battery maker Kreisel Electric GMBH, plans to build an electric vehicle battery and charger manufacturing facility.
Let’s talk numbers. Here’s how the investment breaks down:
- The sustainable energy facility features a 115,000-square foot space to expand the manufacturing of Kreisel batteries.
- This investment will create 50 jobs in Forsyth County.
- These new jobs will have the potential to contribute an annual payroll impact of more than $3.3 million to the region.
- One North Carolina Fund will match a $100,000 grant upon performance-based review.
- Deere plans to develop a workforce of 60-90 new jobs by 2028.
- Jobs will offer an average salary of $62,951, and the company is eligible for additional incentives through the state of NC.
- Expansion is expected to generate more than $65 million in total capital investment.
Why does this matter?
John Deere has been operating in Kernersville for 35 years and manufactures a variety of hydraulic excavators on-site. This new addition helps attract economic investment, according to Gov. Roy Cooper.
What types of jobs will be available?
New positions will include assemblers, material handlers, packagers, and quality inspectors. Current job listings are available for the Kernersville facility.
There is no word on when the facility will open — we’ll keep you updated as the project develops.
