JOHN DEERE DUBUQUE WORKS - Revision history

Randylyon at 17:42, 30 July 2025

2025-07-30T17:42:40Z

Randylyon at 16:05, 24 October 2022

2022-10-24T16:05:06Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:05, 24 October 2022
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	Completion of eight to ten miles of mountain-biking trails was expected to start early in 2020. The park would give the county its third mountain-biking trail. The trails could also be used for walking or hiking. A local club offered plans for a disc golf course and the park was open to bow hunters during appropriate seasons. (19)		Completion of eight to ten miles of mountain-biking trails was expected to start early in 2020. The park would give the county its third mountain-biking trail. The trails could also be used for walking or hiking. A local club offered plans for a disc golf course and the park was open to bow hunters during appropriate seasons. (19)

			By 2022, the Dubuque Works employed an estimated 3,000 workers and spanned about 1.2 miles in length. Officials estimated that the plant had built about 1.2 million machines.

	Many products of the Dubuque Works were celebrated with the creation of belt buckles. These include the following:		Many products of the Dubuque Works were celebrated with the creation of belt buckles. These include the following:

Randylyon at 15:24, 11 May 2021

2021-05-11T15:24:56Z

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	On February 7, 1945, the company announced that it had selected a site for the facility three miles north of Dubuque in an area known as the "Peru Bottoms." Among the reasons for choosing Dubuque was the city's proximity to other Deere plants in Moline, Waterloo, and Ottumwa and because of the excellent transportation facilities. Seven hundred and forty-two acres of land were purchased. On June 25, 1945, ground was broken for a 600,000 square foot facility. This was the first tractor factory that Deere constructed from the ground up. Training for the first Dubuque employees was done by workers from the Moline plant in the old round house in East Dubuque. The Dubuque plant opened in May, 1946. (1)		On February 7, 1945, the company announced that it had selected a site for the facility three miles north of Dubuque in an area known as the "Peru Bottoms." Among the reasons for choosing Dubuque was the city's proximity to other Deere plants in Moline, Waterloo, and Ottumwa and because of the excellent transportation facilities. Seven hundred and forty-two acres of land were purchased. On June 25, 1945, ground was broken for a 600,000 square foot facility. This was the first tractor factory that Deere constructed from the ground up. Training for the first Dubuque employees was done by workers from the Moline plant in the old round house in East Dubuque. The Dubuque plant opened in May, 1946. (1)

	Several unions including the FE-CIO (United Farm Equipment Workers), the American Federation of Labor (AFL) and the United Auto Workers (UAW) sent organizing representatives to the plant. In 1947 the workers voted for the FE-CIO to be their agent in collective bargaining.		Several unions including the FE-CIO (United Farm Equipment Workers), the American Federation of Labor (AFL) and the United Auto Workers (UAW) sent organizing representatives to the plant. In 1947 the workers voted for the FE-CIO to be their agent in collective bargaining. Instrumental in bringing the union to the plant was [[PLOESSEL, Emil\|Emil PLOESSEL]].

	On March 12, 1947 the first Dubuque tractor, the Model "M" rolled off the assembly line. (2) In addition to the Model "M," three other versions of this tractor, the "MC," "MI," and "MT" were also available. The same year, workers voted to organize the factory's first labor union, the FE-CIO. Unable to ratify the first contract with Deere & Co., 1,200 maintenance and production workers went on strike for two weeks in June 1947. By June 1948, hourly employees voted to have the UAW-CIO as their bargaining unit. In reaction to an early housing shortage in Dubuque, Deere built 111 brick housing units in the city north of Hillcrest and parallel to Chaney Road.		On March 12, 1947 the first Dubuque tractor, the Model "M" rolled off the assembly line. (2) In addition to the Model "M," three other versions of this tractor, the "MC," "MI," and "MT" were also available. The same year, workers voted to organize the factory's first labor union, the FE-CIO. Unable to ratify the first contract with Deere & Co., 1,200 maintenance and production workers went on strike for two weeks in June 1947. By June 1948, hourly employees voted to have the UAW-CIO as their bargaining unit. In reaction to an early housing shortage in Dubuque, Deere built 111 brick housing units in the city north of Hillcrest and parallel to Chaney Road.

Randylyon at 22:39, 13 February 2021

2021-02-13T22:39:45Z

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	In 2002 the Skid Steer Loader Operations was moved to the Dubuque Works, the first line introduced at the plant in a generation. The long-standing engine division, however, was shut down.		In 2002 the Skid Steer Loader Operations was moved to the Dubuque Works, the first line introduced at the plant in a generation. The long-standing engine division, however, was shut down.

	In 2006 Deere announced that the company's forestry production operations would be moved to Dubuque from Canada. By becoming the engineering center for forestry products, the Dubuque Works added more than one hundred jobs.		In 2006 Deere announced that the company's forestry production operations would be moved to Dubuque from Canada.By becoming the engineering center for forestry products, the Dubuque Works added more than one hundred jobs. This would include seventy salaried positions in engineering, research and development, and product testing as well as thirty-five hourly jobs to staff the production lines. (16)

	The Dubuque plant is headquarters for the John Deere Industrial Equipment Division's Dealer Technical Assistance Center. A technical service for dealers, DTAC is staffed by specialists with years of factory and field experience to provide dealers with prompt answers to customers' questions.		The Dubuque plant is headquarters for the John Deere Industrial Equipment Division's Dealer Technical Assistance Center. A technical service for dealers, DTAC is staffed by specialists with years of factory and field experience to provide dealers with prompt answers to customers' questions.

	At a time when other plants struggled, the Dubuque Works production of the 1050K Crawler Dozer and two new series of Tracked Feller Bunchers/Harvesters used to harvest trees led to the addition of one hundred employees in late 2014 and early 2015. Employment at the Dubuque plant reached an estimated 2,500 with 200 contracted employees. (16)		At a time when other plants struggled, the Dubuque Works production of the 1050K Crawler Dozer and two new series of Tracked Feller Bunchers/Harvesters used to harvest trees led to the addition of one hundred employees in late 2014 and early 2015. Employment at the Dubuque plant reached an estimated 2,500 with 200 contracted employees. (17)

	In 2018 Deere & Company donated a 137-acre parcel near its Dubuque plant for to the county for a park. The land, once used by the company to test its equipment, was aptly named Proving Grounds Recreation Area in 2019. Work began immediately on a paved parking area, bathrooms, and a pavilion. (17)		In 2018 Deere & Company donated a 137-acre parcel near its Dubuque plant for to the county for a park. The land, once used by the company to test its equipment, was aptly named Proving Grounds Recreation Area in 2019. Work began immediately on a paved parking area, bathrooms, and a pavilion. (18)

	Completion of eight to ten miles of mountain-biking trails was expected to start early in 2020. The park would give the county its third mountain-biking trail. The trails could also be used for walking or hiking. A local club offered plans for a disc golf course and the park was open to bow hunters during appropriate seasons. (18)		Completion of eight to ten miles of mountain-biking trails was expected to start early in 2020. The park would give the county its third mountain-biking trail. The trails could also be used for walking or hiking. A local club offered plans for a disc golf course and the park was open to bow hunters during appropriate seasons. (19)

	Many products of the Dubuque Works were celebrated with the creation of belt buckles. These include the following:		Many products of the Dubuque Works were celebrated with the creation of belt buckles. These include the following:
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	15. Nevans-Pederson, Mary. "Deere to Construct Plant Fitness Center," ''Telegraph Herald'', April 4, 1998, p. 3A. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=aEyKTaVlRPYC&dat=19980404&printsec=frontpage&hl=en		15. Nevans-Pederson, Mary. "Deere to Construct Plant Fitness Center," ''Telegraph Herald'', April 4, 1998, p. 3A. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=aEyKTaVlRPYC&dat=19980404&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

	16. ~~Montgomery~~, ~~Jeff~~. "Deere ~~Runs Strong in Dubuque~~," ''Telegraph Herald'', ~~February 13~~, ~~2015~~, p. 1		16. Kittle, M. D., "Deere Plant Adds Forestry Division," ''Telegraph Herald'', January 27, 2006, p. 1A

	17. ~~Yager, Alicia~~, "~~Work Continues on County Park~~," ''Telegraph Herald'', ~~January 4~~, ~~2019~~, p. ~~3AQ~~		17. Montgomery, Jeff. "Deere Runs Strong in Dubuque," ''Telegraph Herald'', February 13, 2015, p. 1

	18. Hinga, Allie, "Proving Grounds Featuring Rare Plants, Animals," ''Telegraph Herald'', July 25, 2019, p. 3A		18. Yager, Alicia, "Work Continues on County Park," ''Telegraph Herald'', January 4, 2019, p. 3AQ

			19. Hinga, Allie, "Proving Grounds Featuring Rare Plants, Animals," ''Telegraph Herald'', July 25, 2019, p. 3A

Randylyon at 03:19, 21 December 2020

2020-12-21T03:19:33Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:19, 21 December 2020
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	[[Image:employeebadge.png\|right\|thumb\|150px\|Employee ID badge]]		[[Image:employeebadge.png\|right\|thumb\|150px\|Employee ID badge]]
	For the Dubuque Works, 1960 would be a very significant year. Production of the 440, 430, 330 and 435 ceased, marking the end of the two-cylinder engine era. The "New Generation of Power" (four and six cylinder) engines were introduced, and John Deere expanded into the industrial equipment market. The next twenty years produced phenomenal growth for the Dubuque Works. It included the 1010, 2010, 3010, and 4010 wheel tractors and the 1010 and 2010 crawlers. High demand for these units helped to produce over $93 million in sales in 1964. Production of these units required the Dubuque facilities to expand to over 1,165,000 square feet and employment rose to 3,800 people. Growth continued as the company identified six major industrial product fields for development: 1) crawler tractors, 2) wheeled tractors, 3) self-propelled elevating scrapers, 4) four-wheel drive skidders, 5) articulated motor graders, and 6) four-wheel drive articulated loaders. To aid in the engineering of this equipment, construction of the Product Engineering Center (PEC) ~~began~~ in ~~Dubuque in August 1962~~.		For the Dubuque Works, 1960 would be a very significant year. Production of the 440, 430, 330 and 435 ceased, marking the end of the two-cylinder engine era. The "New Generation of Power" (four and six cylinder) engines were introduced, and John Deere expanded into the industrial equipment market. The next twenty years produced phenomenal growth for the Dubuque Works. It included the 1010, 2010, 3010, and 4010 wheel tractors and the 1010 and 2010 crawlers. High demand for these units helped to produce over $93 million in sales in 1964. Production of these units required the Dubuque facilities to expand to over 1,165,000 square feet and employment rose to 3,800 people. Growth continued as the company identified six major industrial product fields for development: 1) crawler tractors, 2) wheeled tractors, 3) self-propelled elevating scrapers, 4) four-wheel drive skidders, 5) articulated motor graders, and 6) four-wheel drive articulated loaders. To aid in the engineering of this equipment, construction of the Product Engineering Center (PEC), a new engineering building containing about 96,000 square feet, would be constructed to improve the company's position in the industrial tractor business.

	~~With expanded product lines~~, ~~factory space increased so that by 1990~~ the Dubuque Works ~~stretched over 1,465 acres, an area large enough~~ to ~~cover 110 football fields~~. ~~Products include backhoe loaders, hydrostatic crawlers, log skidders, two-wheel-drive utility tractors~~, and ~~utility and construction crawler loaders and dozers~~.		Following the announcement of the PEC, company officials announced two new addition of about 250,000 square feet of floor area to the Dubuque Works. Employment was not to be significantly expanded because the new floor space was to relieve congested manufacturing areas. In addition, a new uard house and fire station were to be constructed at a new entrance to the plant.

	During the mid to-late 1960s, four new products, a new identification system, and a new concept were developed at the Dubuque Works. In 1965, a four-wheel drive skidder (JD440) was introduced along with a new identification system. The letters "JD" plus three digits identified all industrial equipment. The numbering system was modified slightly in 1980 when the "JD" was dropped, but the three digit numbering system continued to identify industrial equipment. In addition to these new units, product development efforts also introduced a totally new line of machines to replace the "1010" through "5010" wheel models and the "1010" and "2010" crawlers. These new units included the JD300, JD400, JD500, JD600, JD700-A and JD760 wheeled tractors and the JD350 and JD450 crawler/dozer.		During the mid to-late 1960s, four new products, a new identification system, and a new concept were developed at the Dubuque Works. In 1965, a four-wheel drive skidder (JD440) was introduced along with a new identification system. The letters "JD" plus three digits identified all industrial equipment. The numbering system was modified slightly in 1980 when the "JD" was dropped, but the three digit numbering system continued to identify industrial equipment. In addition to these new units, product development efforts also introduced a totally new line of machines to replace the "1010" through "5010" wheel models and the "1010" and "2010" crawlers. These new units included the JD300, JD400, JD500, JD600, JD700-A and JD760 wheeled tractors and the JD350 and JD450 crawler/dozer.
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	[[Image:lastmelt.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|The foundry of John Deere in Dubuque was one of the few that was financially successful. Just before it was closed in 1987 , a "Last Melt" plate was created and sold. Photo courtesy: Bob Reding]] In 1992 the Dubuque Works was one of the first two manufacturing operations in the company to be registered ISO 9001 and the first of two U. S. Manufacturing operations to be registered to its Japanese equivalent.		[[Image:lastmelt.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|The foundry of John Deere in Dubuque was one of the few that was financially successful. Just before it was closed in 1987 , a "Last Melt" plate was created and sold. Photo courtesy: Bob Reding]] In 1992 the Dubuque Works was one of the first two manufacturing operations in the company to be registered ISO 9001 and the first of two U. S. Manufacturing operations to be registered to its Japanese equivalent.

			With expanded product lines, factory space increased so that by 1990 the Dubuque Works stretched over 1,465 acres, an area large enough to cover 110 football fields. Products include backhoe loaders, hydrostatic crawlers, log skidders, two-wheel-drive utility tractors, and utility and construction crawler loaders and dozers.

	The strategy for the 1990s revolved around continuous improvement initiatives and profitable growth. The basic idea of continuous improvement involved the concept that any product or process can be improved by those who produce it. To accomplish this concept, a great emphasis was placed on New Approach, a concept of having teams of salary and wage employees work collectively towards a common goal. (12) Teams were created around the three core areas of production at the Dubuque Works: 1) backhoes, 2) crawlers, and 3) engines. To promote teamwork, the interior of the factory was remodeled into a module design which consolidated all the operations that were involved in production of a unit into one area. Although the mile-long exterior facade of the plant still existed, modules revolutionized the interior appearance of the factory.		The strategy for the 1990s revolved around continuous improvement initiatives and profitable growth. The basic idea of continuous improvement involved the concept that any product or process can be improved by those who produce it. To accomplish this concept, a great emphasis was placed on New Approach, a concept of having teams of salary and wage employees work collectively towards a common goal. (12) Teams were created around the three core areas of production at the Dubuque Works: 1) backhoes, 2) crawlers, and 3) engines. To promote teamwork, the interior of the factory was remodeled into a module design which consolidated all the operations that were involved in production of a unit into one area. Although the mile-long exterior facade of the plant still existed, modules revolutionized the interior appearance of the factory.

Randylyon at 18:42, 11 November 2020

2020-11-11T18:42:00Z

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	[[Image:imp909.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|John Deere Dubuque Works has been one of Dubuque's major employers. Photo courtesy: Bob Reding]]		[[Image:imp909.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|John Deere Dubuque Works has been one of Dubuque's major employers. Photo courtesy: Bob Reding]]
			[[Image:deereairport.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Airport at the Dubuque John Deere Works. Photo courtesy: https://www.facebook.com/ykyguidiiyr/]]
	JOHN DEERE DUBUQUE WORKS. The need for a new factory to make tractors became apparent to Deere and Company in 1943. The public announcement concerning the "Dubuque Program" was made on December 31, 1944.		JOHN DEERE DUBUQUE WORKS. The need for a new factory to make tractors became apparent to Deere and Company in 1943. The public announcement concerning the "Dubuque Program" was made on December 31, 1944.

Randylyon at 02:02, 24 December 2019

2019-12-24T02:02:21Z

Show changes

Randylyon at 00:34, 2 August 2019

2019-08-02T00:34:47Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:34, 2 August 2019
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	[[Category: Agricultural Implement Dealer/Manufacturer]]		[[Category: Agricultural Implement Dealer/Manufacturer]]
	[[Category: Events]]		[[Category: Events]]
			[[Category: Parks]]

Randylyon at 00:34, 2 August 2019

2019-08-02T00:34:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:34, 2 August 2019
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	At a time when other plants struggled, the Dubuque Works production of the 1050K Crawler Dozer and two new series of Tracked Feller Bunchers/Harvesters used to harvest trees led to the addition of one hundred employees in late 2014 and early 2015. Employment at the Dubuque plant reached an estimated 2,500 with 200 contracted employees. (15)		At a time when other plants struggled, the Dubuque Works production of the 1050K Crawler Dozer and two new series of Tracked Feller Bunchers/Harvesters used to harvest trees led to the addition of one hundred employees in late 2014 and early 2015. Employment at the Dubuque plant reached an estimated 2,500 with 200 contracted employees. (15)

	In 2018 Deere & Company donated a 137-acre parcel near its Dubuque plant for to the county for a park. The land, once used by the company to test its equipment, was aptly named Proving Grounds Recreation Area in 2019. Work began immediately on a paved parking area, bathrooms, and a pavilion. Completion of ~~the~~ park would give the county its third mountain-biking trail. The trails could also be used for walking or hiking. (16)		In 2018 Deere & Company donated a 137-acre parcel near its Dubuque plant for to the county for a park. The land, once used by the company to test its equipment, was aptly named Proving Grounds Recreation Area in 2019. Work began immediately on a paved parking area, bathrooms, and a pavilion. (16)

			Completion of eight to ten miles of mountain-biking trails was expected to start early in 2020. The park would give the county its third mountain-biking trail. The trails could also be used for walking or hiking. A local club offered plans for a disc golf course and the park was open to bow hunters during appropriate seasons. (17)

	Many products of the Dubuque Works were celebrated with the creation of belt buckles. These include the following:		Many products of the Dubuque Works were celebrated with the creation of belt buckles. These include the following:
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	16. Yager, Alicia, "Work Continues on County Park," ''Telegraph Herald'', January 4, 2019, p. 3AQ		16. Yager, Alicia, "Work Continues on County Park," ''Telegraph Herald'', January 4, 2019, p. 3AQ

			17. Hinga, Allie, "Proving Grounds Featuring Rare Plants, Animals," ''Telegraph Herald'', July 25, 2019, p. 3A

Randylyon at 01:58, 6 January 2019

2019-01-06T01:58:30Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:58, 6 January 2019
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	At a time when other plants struggled, the Dubuque Works production of the 1050K Crawler Dozer and two new series of Tracked Feller Bunchers/Harvesters used to harvest trees led to the addition of one hundred employees in late 2014 and early 2015. Employment at the Dubuque plant reached an estimated 2,500 with 200 contracted employees. (15)		At a time when other plants struggled, the Dubuque Works production of the 1050K Crawler Dozer and two new series of Tracked Feller Bunchers/Harvesters used to harvest trees led to the addition of one hundred employees in late 2014 and early 2015. Employment at the Dubuque plant reached an estimated 2,500 with 200 contracted employees. (15)

			In 2018 Deere & Company donated a 137-acre parcel near its Dubuque plant for to the county for a park. The land, once used by the company to test its equipment, was aptly named Proving Grounds Recreation Area in 2019. Work began immediately on a paved parking area, bathrooms, and a pavilion. Completion of the park would give the county its third mountain-biking trail. The trails could also be used for walking or hiking. (16)

	Many products of the Dubuque Works were celebrated with the creation of belt buckles. These include the following:		Many products of the Dubuque Works were celebrated with the creation of belt buckles. These include the following:
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	13. Ibid.		13. Ibid.

	14. Nevans-Pederson, Mary. "Deere to Construct Plant Fitness Center," Telegraph Herald, April 4, 1998, p. 3A. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=aEyKTaVlRPYC&dat=19980404&printsec=frontpage&hl=en		14. Nevans-Pederson, Mary. "Deere to Construct Plant Fitness Center," ''Telegraph Herald'', April 4, 1998, p. 3A. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=aEyKTaVlRPYC&dat=19980404&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

	15. Montgomery, Jeff. "Deere Runs Strong in Dubuque," ''Telegraph Herald'', February 13, 2015, p. 1		15. Montgomery, Jeff. "Deere Runs Strong in Dubuque," ''Telegraph Herald'', February 13, 2015, p. 1

			16. Yager, Alicia, "Work Continues on County Park," ''Telegraph Herald'', January 4, 2019, p. 3AQ