MOLINE, Ill., June 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Deere & Company said today that it is investing $1 million to create a John Deere Technology Innovation Center with the University of Illinois to leverage the skills and knowledge of faculty and students in the areas of agriculture, business, engineering, and information technology. The new facility, which is expected to be ready by July, is located in the University Research Park in Champaign, Illinois and will create an accelerated innovation environment to assist Deere in utilizing advanced electronics, mechatronics, advanced sensors and control systems technology. "This important effort will extend our industry leading investment in research and development on behalf of our customers," said Robert W. Lane, chairman and chief executive officer of Deere & Company. "Our efforts to apply innovation in our products and services result in increased productivity for those who use John Deere equipment." "This investment dovetails perfectly at the University of Illinois with our 140-year history of addressing the most critical needs of society. Furthermore, it will enhance the knowledge and skills of faculty and students as we continue to prepare our graduates to compete and succeed in the global marketplace," said Chancellor Richard Herman of the University of Illinois. Deere said the new technology innovation center in Champaign will expand its capabilities to respond to the rapidly changing environment for John Deere's customers and businesses through leveraging the capabilities of the University. The center in Champaign will remain a satellite organization to John Deere's Moline Technology Innovation Center, which is located on the campus of the company's World Headquarters in Moline, Illinois. The new Champaign location will intensify Deere's efforts to track key technology developments impacting the company. DATASOURCE: Deere & Company CONTACT: Ken Golden, Director, Strategic Public Relations of Deere & Company, +1-309-765-5678 Web site: http://www.deere.com/

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