The Austrian company Kreisel, in which John Deere acquired a majority stake in 2022, produces battery technology for e-mobility and fast-charging solutions with an integrated battery system. The planned facility will have a production capacity of up to 2 GWh. John Deere plans to break ground on the new facility in the fall of 2023, with production expected to begin in 2025.
“Together with Kreisel, John Deere is expanding its electrification portfolio to include more scalable solutions to meet a wider range of our customers’ application needs. This investment is a great step forward as we work toward our goal of demonstrating viable low- and near-zero-carbon power solutions by 2026.” said Jennifer Preston, Global Director of John Deere Electric Powertrain and CEO of Kreisel.
At the new facility, John Deere will manufacture and further develop Kreisel's battery systems and Chimero chargers. The new facility will increase production capacity to serve the North American off-highway market. John Deere is also already equipping another battery production facility at its plant in Saran, France, the main production site for John Deere engines in Europe. The Kernersville facility will be fossil fuel free and use sustainable energy for key systems such as air conditioning, energy recovery, lighting and irrigation control.
Deere & Company chose Kernersville because of the rich history of the local community that began with the establishment of the Kernersville Campus in 1988. According to the company, the town offers access to a diverse pool of technical talent from local trade and academic institutions and is well connected to infrastructure such as highways, seaports and airports.
The North Carolina Department of Commerce led the state’s support for the company during its site evaluation and decision-making process. The next phases of the development of the facility and construction timelines are subject to additional regulatory approval.
Source: Kreisel
