AGCO unveils $20 million expansion for French manufacturing facility

Worldwide manufacturer and distributor of agricultural equipment and infrastructure, has announced a $20 million investment for its tractor manufacturing facility in Beauvais, France.

AGCO ‘Beauvais 2’ new cab facility and MF training centre

This is the largest industrial investment project at the facility since 1986.

The ‘Beauvais 2’ project involves the acquisition and development of a brand-new building on more than 4 hectares of land in the Allone industrial zone, less than five minutes from the existing 25 hectare AGCO factory site at Avenue Blaise Pascal. The new complex will house the tractor cab production line and boost available floor space by 25%. Cab production is scheduled to begin there in September 2013, while the facility will also become home to a new Massey Ferguson International Sales Training Centre.

“This latest initiative at Beauvais underlines AGCO’s commitment to continuing long-term investment in our worldwide manufacturing facilities and product lines,” said Martin Richenhagen, Chairman, President and CEO of AGCO. “Beauvais is the anchor point to Massey Ferguson’s success in the Europe, Africa and Middle East region and boasts a global reputation for high quality engineering and production. This project will provide the brand with the necessary space and scope to reach the next levels in its growth.”

Commenting, Richard Markwell, Président Directeur Général of AGCO SA and Vice-President and Managing Director of Massey Ferguson for Europe, Africa and the Middle East said: “Agriculture and the farm equipment industry are in a strong position and have a fundamental mission to feed a rapidly growing world population. AGCO’s investment in the ‘Beauvais 2’ project is testament to the fine work and dedication of our employees here.

“As part of our development work on the new ‘Beauvais 2’ building, we plan to double its area to 10,000 m2 to provide sufficient room for the cab line and associated components,” he explained. “As a result, the space liberated at the current factory in Avenue Blaise Pascal will provide for the next stages of Lean Manufacturing implementation, improving logistics flows in order to meet our goals of increased productivity.”

AGCO’s Beauvais site is the largest producer and exporter of farm machinery in France and, together with its GIMA joint venture transmission plant, employs around 2200 people. The new project will generate additional permanent jobs for the long-term, strengthening AGCO’s regional position as the number one private employer in the Picardie region. “Throughout the development of this new exciting project, we have appreciated the substantial support and encouragement of all the local government agencies in order to promote our further development and progress in the region,” concluded Mr Markwell.