The crisp fall air was upon us today as the Manufacturing Express pulled into a company whose heritage traces to the beginning of equipment manufacturing. Today’s event in Racine paid tribute to 180 years of equipment manufacturers making history–and a legacy of excellence in the agricultural equipment industry.
Case IH Agriculture’s Racine Experience Center, part of CNH Industrial, is a testament to a historically famous and longstanding tradition of innovation. With their diverse product line, and commitment to quality, it’s clear why Case is the brand of choice for farmers across the world.
Throughout today’s event, equipment is on display from the entire history of the company. Starting with a thresher like the one made by company founder J.I. Case, to a fully autonomous harvester revealed a few years ago during the Farm Progress show, Case is proud of their innovative legacy.
Case IH attributes much of their success to the talented people behind their products. The company tagline is “Built by farmers. For farmers.” It’s a motto, it’s a way of doing business, and it’s a large part of their success. They understand what their customers need first-hand and are able to provide equipment that makes their job easier.
Case customers keep coming back to the brand due to the high-quality of their equipment and their domestic production here in the United States. The company takes enormous pride in their American manufacturing legacy. All of the equipment on display here at the center was manufactured here in the United States. And it gets shipped to over 160 countries in every corner of the globe.
This experience center gives the company opportunities to engage with the greater Wisconsin community. Built in 2018 and taking up over 20,000 square feet, the center hosts more than 6,000 guests annually.
These guests include customers, but the center also hosts events showcasing the industry to the next generation of talent. Case IH has a close relationship with the Future Farmers of America, and frequently hosts students to show them the diverse job opportunities in the agriculture industry.
But the company’s innovative spirit does not just translate to their products, it also applies to the way they recruit young talent. Next week the center is hosting an event with GIANTS Software as they prepare to release their video game Farming Simulator 25, the latest entry in an uber popular farming game that Case sees a way to promote the technological strides the industry has made and recruit players to work in this fast growing industry.
Case also knows that it’s not only the customers who are loyal to the company, it’s also the employees. It’s not uncommon for them to celebrate 30, 40, or even 50 year anniversaries for their employees. Some employees have even retired and come back to the company to host tours here at the Racine Experience center. Many Case team members are 3rd or 4th generation employees. This is the legacy that comes with almost two centuries of experience in the field. Case has built a tight-knit community here in Racine over the years through its strong family-supporting jobs and united passion for growing the food that feeds the world.
Every family and every family table owes a lot to the hard work and dedication of equipment manufacturers like the people and families here in Racine. It’s a manufacturing heritage, it’s careers and family sustaining jobs, and it’s a shining example of how our country continues to build and get built every day.
