(LOWELL) - John Deere has officially begun construction on a $125 million distribution center in northwest Indiana, a major logistics investment expected to bring new jobs and expand the company's U.S. supply network.
State officials confirmed the 1.2 million-square-foot facility will be built on 234 acres near Interstate 65 between Lowell and Hebron. The project was first reported in 2024 and later confirmed by the governor's office.
The distribution center is expected to create 150 full-time jobs, with wages exceeding the county average. Company officials said the facility will improve parts availability and distribution efficiency for customers in agriculture, construction, forestry, turf and mining.
Gov. Mike Braun said Indiana's central location and workforce were key factors in the decision, calling the state an ideal hub for national and global distribution.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation approved up to $2.5 million in incentive-based tax credits tied to job creation and capital investment benchmarks.
The project drew national attention after President Donald Trump referenced the Indiana expansion during a recent appearance in Iowa, highlighting John Deere's broader domestic manufacturing efforts.
The Indiana distribution center is one of two major U.S. projects recently announced by the company. John Deere is also planning a $70 million manufacturing facility in North Carolina that will produce excavators previously made overseas.
Company leaders say the projects are part of a long-term commitment to invest $20 billion in U.S. manufacturing over the next decade.
Real estate filings show John Deere purchased the land near Interstate 65 and State Road 2 for approximately $7 million. Construction is expected to generate hundreds of additional jobs during the buildout phase.