The world's biggest manufacturer of farm and agricultural equipment has retained a South African training academy to help familiarize agricultural laborers in Central Africa with its machinery, according to a published report.
Located in Gauteng Province, the Ikhaya Fundisa Techniskills Academy is going to assist with the widening of John Deere's business interests, said Carel Theron, Deere marketing manager. The Moline, Illinois company's penetration into this region began in late 2009 and Ikhaya was tapped because of its long-standing relationship with Deere.
"We have invested in a bigger workforce and two regional offices in East and West Africa, in Accra, Ghana, and Nairobi, Kenya," according to Theron.
The objective is to staff Deere sites with employees who are knowledgeable and skilled about equipment such as John Deere tractors as part of an effort to encourage the growing market. The company also wants to foment strong representation of the John Deere brand in Central Africa.
"Once this is done, we will carry out the necessary training and qualify them with an IFTA-backed qualification," said Sean Jones, director of IFTA.
South African academy to train farmers with Deere equipment
Deere retained an academy in South Africa to train farmers in the continent's central region.