John Deere’s $13.5 Million Expansion in Strafford: A Vision of Innovation, Sustainability, and Community Investment

John Deere’s $13.5 Million Expansion in Strafford: A Vision of Innovation, Sustainability, and Community Investment 

In a bold move that reinforces its long-standing commitment to sustainability, innovation, and economic development, John Deere has announced a major expansion of its Reman Core Center in Strafford, Missouri. The $13.5 million investment is set to dramatically increase the facility’s operational capacity, strengthen the company’s remanufacturing strategy, and deepen its roots in the local community. 

Currently spanning 280,000 square feet, the Strafford facility plays a pivotal role in John Deere’s global remanufacturing operations. The planned expansion will add an additional 120,000 square feet, bringing the total footprint to 400,000 square feet. Construction is slated to begin in mid-2025, with completion expected by 2026. This expansion is not merely about physical space—it’s about creating new pathways for innovation, increasing efficiency, and fulfilling a growing demand for high-quality, sustainable components. 

Remanufacturing—often described as “restoring to like-new condition”—has become central to John Deere’s sustainability initiatives. Through this process, used parts such as engines, hydraulics, and drivetrains are disassembled, cleaned, tested, and rebuilt using advanced technologies. The result is a product that meets original performance specifications while significantly reducing the environmental impact compared to new manufacturing. The Strafford facility alone produces more than 2,000 remanufactured products, a third of which are exported globally, helping John Deere customers reduce costs while supporting circular economy principles. 

Kevin Schrag, Manager of John Deere Reman, highlighted the strategic importance of the project, calling it “a significant milestone” for both the company and the local community. “This expansion is not only a vote of confidence in our dedicated employees but a clear signal of John Deere’s long-term vision for remanufacturing,” Schrag said. “Strafford has become an essential hub for our sustainability efforts, and we’re proud to deepen our commitment here.” 

Local collaboration has also played a key role in shaping the project. Several Missouri-based contractors and design firms—including Q & Company, Buxton Kubik Dodd Design Collective, Miller Engineering, and Olsson—have been engaged to bring the expansion to life. Their involvement ensures that the project is deeply rooted in the community, generating economic opportunities for local workers, suppliers, and service providers. 

Beyond the immediate construction and design work, the expansion is poised to boost long-term employment in the region. With over 500 employees already working at the Strafford site, the added capacity is expected to create new jobs, enhance training programs, and foster specialized skill development in advanced manufacturing and sustainability practices. 

The move is in line with John Deere’s broader sustainability goals, which include increasing operational efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions across its manufacturing footprint. By expanding remanufacturing capabilities, the company not only extends the lifecycle of equipment components but also helps customers reduce their total cost of ownership—a powerful alignment of environmental responsibility and economic value. 

As global industries continue to search for ways to reduce waste and operate more sustainably, John Deere’s investment in Strafford stands as a compelling case study in corporate responsibility. It reflects a growing recognition that industrial growth and environmental stewardship are not mutually exclusive, but rather complementary forces that, when balanced effectively, can deliver lasting impact. 

The groundbreaking in Strafford marks more than the start of a construction project. It symbolises John Deere’s belief in the future of remanufacturing, the resilience of the local workforce, and the power of purposeful innovation to shape a more sustainable tomorrow.