John Deere officials today announced that Meadowview Circle in the Stonehouse Commerce Park has officially been renamed John Deere Road by the James City County Board of Supervisors. The newly named road is home to the John Deere Vehicle Group facility, a new $30 million, 300,000-square foot complex that will house the manufacturing plant as well as a major design and engineering component and the sales and marketing team.

"We're thrilled that James City County has recognized our organization by renaming the road in our honor," said Dave Larson, General Manager, John Deere Vehicle Group. "County officials have been committed to John Deere from day one, and we intend to reciprocate by developing and growing a successful operation here in Virginia."

The Facility will manufacture John Deere utility vehicles, including the popular Gator¨ line of both two- and four-wheel drive, gas and diesel utility vehicles. The Gator utility vehicle line includes the Gator 4x2 and 6x4, the Turf Gator, the Electric E-Gator, the Trail Gator, the Military M-Gator, and the heavy duty ProGator.

The John Deere Vehicle Group facility now employs more than 120 people. Production technicians recently began training and development classes with the goal of producing the facility's first utility vehicles in June. The management, sales and marketing, and administrative staff is currently occupying the facility, and the manufacturing component will move into the building in the upcoming weeks.