John Deere announced today renewed plans to build a marketing and sales center in northwest Olathe, in the Corporate Ridge Office Park, near K 10 and Ridgeview Road. This 126,150 square-foot facility will house up to 500 marketing professionals who will provide support and service to John Deere sales branches and agriculture and turf dealerships in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

“The decision to resume construction reaffirms our commitment to the ag and turf equipment business and to the local area,” said John Lagemann, vice president of agriculture and turf equipment, sales and marketing. “The building will feature new construction technology to support efforts to build according to greener, cleaner environmental standards.”

As originally intended, this state-of-the art facility will meet the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Certification, Gold Level.

The new single-building facility will have expanded meeting and training rooms, new technology for digital communications and information systems, and an open-office atmosphere to facilitate teamwork in strategic and tactical marketing initiatives. There will be unimpeded visibility to the outside and excellent utilization of natural light.

“The City of Olathe is excited that John Deere, a world leader in farm, forestry and consumer equipment, is moving forward with construction of its marketing and sales center in the Corporate Ridge Office Park in Olathe,” said Mayor Michael Copeland. “What an amazing combination: a Fortune 100 company in a premiere K.C. office park in one of the fastest growing cities in the United States. This multi-million dollar investment in Olathe will help set the pace for renewed growth in our city and our region.”

“We’re also excited that John Deere is moving forward with this project,” said Kansas Department of Commerce Secretary Bill Thornton. “When a household name like John Deere chooses Kansas, it speaks volumes about our state’s business-friendly policies, logistical advantages and skilled workforce.”

Primary design and construction partners for this project will be Holland Basham Architects and the Weitz Company. John Deere Landscapes will also assist with outdoor landscaping, irrigation, plantings, and equipment.

“This project also affirms the bright future we anticipate for our industry, and we’re excited about the prospects of moving to this world-class facility,” Lagemann concluded.

Construction for the new building will begin this June and is expected to be completed in August 2011.