Deere expands irrigation business with acquisition

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By Jennifer DeWitt | Tuesday, June 03, 2008 |

Two years after its entrance into irrigation equipment manufacturing, Deere & Co. announced Thursday that it has acquired T-Systems International Inc. in a move that expands its growing John Deere Water Technologies operation.

In a news release, Deere said it has completed the acquisition of the leading drip irrigation company. The San Diego, Calif.-based T-Systems manufactures and sells products for agricultural, nursery, landscape, mining and greenhouse applications. Details of the financial transaction were not disclosed.

“T-Systems International is a highly regarded global company with premier products, experienced talent, strong distribution and established operations in key agricultural irrigation markets,” Michael McGrady, the president of John Deere Water Technologies, said in the release. “The addition of T-Systems expands John Deere Water Technologies’ manufacturing footprint to three countries with marketing in over 60.”

Founded in 1977, T-Systems operates manufacturing facilities in Australia, France and the United States. The acquisition will add nearly 400 workers to Deere’s global work force.

T-Systems, maker of the T-Tape, was founded by Davies Allport. According to the company’s Web site, his goal “was to provide growers with a reliable and effective solution for their irrigation needs by increasing their efficiencies and profits.”

Moline-based Deere moved into the irrigation business in 2006 with its acquisition of Roberts Irrigation Products, based in San Marcos, Calif. The company, which became a wholly owned subsidiary of Deere, was renamed John Deere Water Technologies last December.

John Deere Water Technologies manufactures plastic micro and drip irrigation products and is considered one of the world’s leading providers of precision irrigation.

“Since the original acquisition, we have been looking for other potential companies to acquire to expand our presence in this business,” Deere spokesman Ken Golden said in an interview. He said the company’s aspiration is “to be No. 1 in the world in agricultural irrigation.”

Jennifer DeWitt can be contacted at (563) 383-2318 or jdewitt@qctimes.com.