Moline, Ill.-based Deere & Co. last week announced it will enhance its parts service capabilities in the U.S. and Canada by investing in capacity expansions at its primary parts distribution center in Milan, Ill., and three additional locations in the western U.S. and Canada.

“This strategic investment will further enhance John Deere’s leadership position,” said Gail Leese, vice president of Worldwide Parts Services. “The initiative will support dealers and customers by locating service parts inventory closer to customers and dealers to enhance availability and speed of delivery.”

The Parts Distribution Center in Milan, Ill., will be expanded more than 300,000 square feet to meet the capacity needs of the growing parts business. Importantly, three other locations will become regional distribution centers after having served as emergency parts depots.

Current parts depots in Portland, Ore., and Regina, Saskatchewan , will be renovated to assume expanded responsibilities for operation as a regional distribution center. Activities at a parts depot in Stockton, Calif., will be relocated to Lathrop, Calif., with expansion to support greater responsibilities. These regional distribution centers are anticipated to become operational between November 2008 and September 2009. The total investment was not disclosed.