Deere to upgrade parts distribution capabilities

MOLINE, Ill. - Deere & Co. will expand capacity at its primary parts distribution center in Milan, Ill., and three other locations in the western United States and Canada, the agricultural equipment maker announced Friday. Service parts inventory will be closer to dealers and customers, improving availability and delivery speed, Deere said. Parts depots in Portland, Ore., and Regina, Saskatchewan, will be renovated to take on expanded responsibilities as regional distribution centers. Work at a parts depot in Stockton, Calif., will be moved to Lathrop, Calif. The new regional distribution centers are expected to become operational between this November and September 2009. Deere did not disclose its investment. Shares of the company fell 89 cents to $66.01 in morning... [read full story]