AGCO Announces Expansion of its Research Park Acceleration Center
CHAMPAIGN — AGCO Corporation announced today that it has completed the expansion of its AGCO Acceleration Center at the University of Illinois Champaign Urbana Research Park.
AGCO is a global leader and manufacturer of agriculture equipment and technology. AGCO Corporation delivers agricultural solutions to farmers worldwide through a full line of tractors, combine harvesters, hay and forage equipment, seeding and tillage implements, grain storage and protein production systems.
The AGCO Acceleration Center employs undergraduate and graduate students from a variety of backgrounds and talents to focus on developing new-to-market solutions and advanced technologies.
“Simply stated our passion for farmers is at the heart of everything that we do, that’s why we are so excited to deepen our connection to the AgTech hub of the Midwest in Champaign, Illinois through the expansion of the AGCO Acceleration Center,” said Eric Hansotia, Chairman, President and CEO, AGCO Corporation.
The AGCO Acceleration Center started under the leadership of the company’s Grain & Protein division to help farmers protect their harvest and their animals to feed a growing world population. AGCO’s research and innovation in Champaign has since expanded to encompass all product areas.
“Farmers are facing tremendous challenges and we believe Innovation is critical to helping them improve productivity and sustainability. It’s why I’m proud to see the AGCO Acceleration Center grow and flourish. The work done here will lead to the next generation of smart solutions to help farmers feed the world,” said Stefan Caspari, Senior Vice President, Grain & Protein, AGCO Corporation.
The expansion increases intern capacity to 80 workstations with a cutting-edge Maker Lab for prototyping and collaborative work. The AGCO Corporation Research Park facility first opened in August 2017 and has employed over 300 interns at the facility since its inception.
“At AGCO are passionate about developing leaders and are lucky that so many of them are influenced by the remarkable thought leadership that takes place here in Central Illinois,” said Ivory Harris, Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Office, AGCO Corporation.
The site is managed by site director, Misha Shah, Senior Manager, Global University Relations for AGCO, and MBA alumna of the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana who also oversees global internship programs and University Relations for the company.
“The incredible growth of the Acceleration Center would not be possible without our local partners here in the Midwest. The innovation, research and development that takes place in this ecosystem is best in class and propels AGCO forward in many ways. I am humbled by the incredible AgTech community that Champaign has brought together and excited for the bright future of the AGCO Acceleration Center,” said Misha Shah.
Visit the Research Park website for more information on the AGCO Acceleration Center.
About AGCO
AGCO (NYSE:AGCO) is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology. AGCO delivers customer value through its differentiated brand portfolio including core brands like Challenger®, Fendt®, GSI®, Massey Ferguson® and Valtra®. Powered by Fuse® smart farming solutions, AGCO’s full line of equipment and services help farmers sustainably feed our world. Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Duluth, Georgia, USA, AGCO had net sales of $11.1 billion in 2021. For more information, visit www.AGCOcorp.com. For company news, information and events, please follow us on Twitter: @AGCOCorp. For financial news on Twitter, please follow the hashtag #AGCOIR