Perdue, Bev. Press Release, 2012-10-05, Deere-Hitachi to Add 340 Jobs in Forsyth County

Beverly Eaves Perdue Governor State of North Carolina Office of the Governor 20301 Mail Service Center • Raleigh, NC 27699-0301 October 5, 2012 Contact: Chris Mackey Office: (919) 733-5612 Deere-Hitachi to Add 340 Jobs in Forsyth County State Grants Assist Manufacturing Company with Expansion KERNERSVILLE - Gov. Bev Perdue announced today that Deere-Hitachi Construction Machinery Corporation, one of the largest manufacturers and distributors of excavators in the Americas, will expand its operations in Kemersville. The company plans to create at least 340 jobs by the end of 2016, and invest more than $97 million in its Forsyth County facility. The project was made possible in part by state grants from the Job Development Investment Grant and the One North Carolina Fund. “Companies like Deere-Hitachi recognize that North Carolina is a great place to thrive because of our top-notch business climate, incredibly well-trained workforce, and central location with access to customers and transportation channels,” said Gov. Perdue. “When the company was ready to expand. North Carolina was the perfect choice.” Deere-Hitachi is a 50/50 joint venture between John Deere located in Moline, Ill. and Hitachi Construction Machinery Corporation in Tokyo, Japan. The company was established in 1988 to provide both Hitachi and Deere brand excavators to the Americans. As part of Gov. Perdue’s most recent visit to Japan, she met with executives at Hitachi to discuss its current presence in North Carolina and opportunities for it to grow. At the Kemersville location, the company has integrated its design and support functions, as well as manufacturing, information systems and training and support programs, enabling Deere- Hitachi to provide more value to customers. “This investment will have a significant positive impact on the State of North Carolina, providing additional employment opportunities for Deere-Hitachi as well as many of our North Carolina-based suppliers,” noted, A1 Seeba, Chairman and CEO of Deere-Hitachi. “Deere-