Another company has become a part of the University’s Research Park. John Deere & Company announced Tuesday their purchase of a $1 million center “to assist Deere in utilizing advanced electronics, mechatronics, advanced sensors and control systems technology.”

Chairman and CEO Robert W. Lane said the facility will contribute to the company’s efforts to apply innovation to products and services, benefitting those who use the equipment with “increase productivity,” in a statement.

The center is expected to be completed in July.

Chancellor Richard Herman expressed his approval of the investment, saying it will “enhance the knowledge and skills of faculty and students … to compete and succeed in the global marketplace,” in a statement.

The company’s headquarters are located in Moline, Ill. and the new facility will serve as a satellite organization to the Moline Technology Innovation Center.

John Deere consists of four business segments: agricultural equipment, commercial and consumer equipment, construction and forestry, and credit.

Research Park is marketed as a location where “technology-based businesses can work with the research faculty and students at UIUC to take advantage of opportunities for collaborative research and easy access to University labs, equipment, and services.”