A John Deere Publication

A smiling John Deere worker with machinery in the background

John Deere Horicon Works is comprised of two main campuses that cover about 1.5 million square feet of manufacturing space.

Agriculture June 01, 2025

Horicon Works: Rooted in Tradition

The innovation and community spirit of a John Deere factory.

Horicon, Wisconsin, is a quaint farming community nestled along the Rock River, home to the largest freshwater marsh in the nation. Within this charming town lies a state-of-the-art factory dedicated to innovation, sustainability, and community engagement. Like many John Deere facilities, its history is marked by decades of adaptability, responding to economic challenges, evolving customer needs, and rapid technological advancements.

It all began in 1911, when John Deere acquired the Van Brunt Company in Horicon. This acquisition allowed John Deere to enhance product offerings in the agricultural sector, helping to solidify John Deere's position as a leader in ag machinery.

The Horicon location became integral to John Deere's manufacturing capabilities, particularly for seed drills and later for lawn and garden equipment in 1963. The focus shifted entirely to consumer products by 1969. Throughout the '80s and '90s, products expanded to include Gator™ utility vehicles and attachments, all of which are still produced there today. They also produce many stamped parts used by several other John Deere products.

The adoption of lean manufacturing principles has allowed Horicon Works to optimize production processes, reduce waste, and improve efficiency. And factory expansions in 2015 and again in 2019 demonstrate their commitment to the future.

In addition to innovation and sustainability efforts, Horicon Works has a strong focus on community. With about 1,000 employees in a town of just over 3,000, they emphasize community involvement, recognizing the connection between its success and the well-being of the local area.

With a workforce that includes many multi-generational employees, the facility is not only preserving a proud legacy but also ensuring that the values will thrive for years to come. ‡