Deere & Co. last week said it is investing $1 million to create a John Deere Technology Innovation Center with the University of Illinois to leverage the skills and knowledge of faculty and students in the areas of agriculture, business, engineering and information technology.
The new facility, which is expected to be ready by July, is located in the University Research Park in Champaign, Ill., and will create an accelerated innovation environment to assist Deere in utilizing advanced electronics, mechatronics, advanced sensors and control systems technology.
“This important effort will extend our industry-leading investment in research and development on behalf of our customers,” said Robert Lane, chairman and CEO of Deere & Co. “Our efforts to apply innovation in our products and services result in increased productivity for those who use John Deere equipment.”
According to University of Illinois Chancellor Richard Herman, “This investment dovetails perfectly at the University of Illinois with our 140-year history of addressing the most critical needs of society. Furthermore, it will enhance the knowledge and skills of faculty and students as we continue to prepare our graduates to compete and succeed in the global marketplace.”
Deere said the new technology innovation center will expand its capabilities to respond to the rapidly changing environment for its customers and businesses through leveraging the capabilities of the University.
The center will remain a satellite organization to John Deere’s Moline Technology Innovation Center, which is located at the company’s world headquarters in Moline, Ill. The new Champaign location will intensify Deere’s efforts to track key technology developments impacting the company.
