John Deere announced plans today to bolster its manufacturing workforces in Dubuque and Davenport to meet the increased demand in its construction and forestry markets.
In the June 11 news release, June 11, the Moline-based agricultural giant said it plans to hire 30 employees at Dubuque Works following the completion of employee callbacks. In addition, 20 employees will be called back at Davenport Works.
Earlier this year, John Deere announced multiple rounds of employee callbacks across several U.S. manufacturing locations including those in the Quad Cities and Iowa.
These latest callbacks, the company release said, reflect improving market conditions and increased production demand.
With the Thursday announcement, Deere said more than 400 employees in Iowa and Illinois have either returned to work or been hired since January.
“We’re seeing increased demand for construction equipment and that’s creating opportunities to add to our team,” Alex Fernandez, Dubuque Works factory manager, said in the release. “It also means our skilled employees are back doing what they do best and helping us meet customer demand.”
The uptick in demand and hiring comes after Deere’s key equipment markets were impacted in 2025 by higher tariffs, economic uncertainty and lower commodity prices.
In its latest earnings report, released in May, Deere & Co. posted net income of $1.773 billion, or $6.55 per share, for the second quarter, ended Sunday, May 3. The quarter also saw sales of construction/forestry and small ag/turf equipment rise 29% and 16%, respectively.
Production plants
John Deere Dubuque Works has been manufacturing equipment since 1946 and plays a key role in the company’s construction and forestry operations. The facility brings engineering, product validation, and manufacturing together on one campus, Deere said. Workers there produce a range of equipment, including crawler dozers, skid steers, backhoes, and forestry machines.
One of several Deere facilities across the Quad Cities, Davenport Works produces construction and forestry equipment including a range of machines that help build and maintain infrastructure and manage forests worldwide. Davenport Works is home to six product lines, including production and utility class 4WD loaders, articulated dump trucks, motor graders, skidders, and wheeled feller bunchers.
Built in 1974 on 900 acres Deere bought on the north side of Interstate 80, Davenport Works earned industry honors last year being named 2025 Plant of the Year by Assembly magazine.
