John Deere is increasing the production capacity of battery-technology specialist Kreisel Electric, in which it recently acquired majority ownership, the company has announced.
According to the manufacturer, an immediate investment in two additional production facilities in Europe and the US, will bring an increase of over 2 GWh to Kreisel’s battery production capacity, beginning with the opening of a new facility at the John Deere Saran factory which is the primary manufacturing location for John Deere engines in Europe.
The funds from the investment will primarily be deployed within the mobile commercial and industrial solutions as well as the charging infrastructure division of Kreisel. In parallel with this project, the company says it will also invest in battery assembly in the United States to support the growth of its customers and John Deere products.
This investment follows the finalisation of the acquisition of majority ownership by John Deere earlier this year with the Kreisel alignment serving as the cornerstone for the electrification of John Deere Brand products.
“This investment will put a strong focus on the industrialisation and automation of the entire production process, as well as research and development capacities at Kreisel HQ in Rainbach,” said Jennifer Preston, Global Director, John Deere Electric Power, in a statement.
“We are embarking toward a future with zero emissions propulsion and pursuing our sustainability goal to demonstrate viable low- and no-carbon alternative power solutions by 2026,” she added.