North Carolina Construction News staff writer
John Deere has announced that it plans to produce Kreisel battery packs and chargers in Kernersville, following construction of a new $69.6 million facility.
“We are excited to welcome John Deere’s newest venture to America’s best state for business,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “North Carolina’s leadership in manufacturing, innovation and clean transportation is creating great jobs from global manufacturers like this. With our shared values on sustainability, we look forward to creating a cleaner future together.”
The facility will be the North American headquarters for John Deere Electric Powertrain LLC, a joint venture with Kreisel Electric. Deere acquired majority ownership of the Austrian-based developer of immersion-cooled, high-density battery technology in 2022.
John Deere will produce Kreisel battery packs for high performance and large, off-highway equipment applications at the new factory.
The facility will be constructed with sustainable energy features in a 115,000-square foot space to expand the manufacturing of Kreisel batteries and chargers in the North American market.
“As the demand for electric solutions continues to increase, this strategic investment in growing our production capacity will help strengthen our position as an international battery technology leader,” said Pierre Guyot, senior vice president of John Deere. “Within the evolving off-highway equipment market, we are prioritizing the development of a robust charging ecosystem and battery portfolio that can support and sustain the long-term adoption of electrification across a wide variety of applications.”
A $100,000 performance-based grant was awarded by the One North Carolina Fund, requiring matching participation from local governments.
“This is outstanding news for our region,” said N.C. Representative Donny Lambeth. “We appreciate John Deere’s vote of confidence in our people for this new venture and the work of the economic developers and local and state officials that helped the company make their decision.”