CNH Global N.V. last week announced it will reconsolidate production of soil management equipment at its plant in Goodfield, Ill., rescinding plans disclosed in late 2006 to close the 233,000-square-foot facility.

Citing successful launches of new products, market share gains in many segments and an acceleration in overall market requirements, CNH will instead invest in increasing capacity of its industrial system. As a result, all soil management equipment previously transferred to the company's plant in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, will be returned to Goodfield as soon as possible. The Canadian plant, meanwhile, will retain its existing product lines, including seeders and planters.

To accommodate the change and meet increased market demand, the company expects to expand the workforce at both locations.

"During the previously planned closure, Goodfield has continued to produce high quality units and has maintained structural capacity," said Brad Crews, vice president, CNH North America Agricultural Manufacturing Sites. "We will now begin an investment plan to increase our capacity, replace aged equipment and achieve world class manufacturing standards."

"The Goodfield operation is one of the primary plants producing crop production equipment for Case IH," said Randy Baker, president and CEO, Case IH. "Our dual strategy of investing in product development and refocusing field sales and support has yielded significant increases in market share."

Headquartered in Burr Ridge, Ill., CNH Global N.V. is a world leader in the agricultural and construction equipment businesses.