Deere gives $1M gift to University of Illinois

MOLINE, ILL. — Deere & Co. is investing $1 million to create a John Deere Technology Innovation Center at the University of Illinois, the Moline-based manufacturer said Tuesday.

The center, expected to open in July, will be at University Research Park in Champaign.

Deere said the center will create an accelerated innovation environment to assist Deere in utilizing advanced electronics, mechatronics, advanced sensors and control systems technology.

Richard Herman, the university’s chancellor, said the investment dovetails with the university’s “140-year history of addressing the most critical needs of society. 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.”

The center will remain a satellite organization to Deere’s Moline Technology Innovation Center at its world headquarters. Deere said the Champaign location will intensify the company’s efforts to track key technology developments.