Iowa’s largest manufacturing employer is going to offer a new product line to the retail market. Quad City-based Deere and Company has made a deal with the world’s largest home improvement store chain to sell a new series of riding lawn mowers. Deere spokesman Ken Golden says it’ll put the green and yellow tractors in 14-hundred Home Depot outlets next spring. Golden says it’ll be the first time Deere riding mowers were available somewhere other than a dealer.As part of the agreement, Deere will stop making the Scotts and Sabre brands of lawn tractors. Home Depot has stores across the U-S, Mexico, Canada and in the Caribbean and is, according to a company news release, the fastest-growing retailer in history. Golden says the agreement will allow Deere to reach a wider range of buyers. He says their research finds consumers want a “great brand” along with good dealer support.Most of Iowa’s Deere facilities only make farm and construction equipment. Golden says the new line of 100-series lawn tractors will all be made in Greeneville, Tennessee.
