Where Are Massey Ferguson Tractors And Combines Made?

None — Massey Ferguson MF 8700 S Series Row Crop High Horsepower Tractor
Source: MasseyFerguson.com

Massey Ferguson, a leading global tractor brand, was established in 1953 following the merger of Massey-Harris of Canada and the Ferguson Company of the UK. Massey Ferguson is now part of AGCO Corporation, a major player in the agricultural machinery industry.

Today, Massey Fergusonâ€™s products are sold worldwide, with manufacturing facilities located in strategic regions across the globe. These include tractors produced at their factories in Beauvais (France), Changzhou (China), Canoas (Brazil), and Mogi das Cruzes (Brazil). Combine harvesters are manufactured in Breganze (Italy) and Santa Rosa (Brazil).

Massey Ferguson History

Origins of the Company

Massey Ferguson traces its origins back to 1847 when Daniel Massey founded Newcastle Foundry and Machine Manufactory in Clarington, Ontario (Canada). This company later became Massey Manufacturing Co, renowned for producing some of the world's first mechanical threshers. As the business expanded, it became one of the largest employers in the Toronto area.

In 1891, Massey Manufacturing merged with A. Harris, Son and Company to form Massey-Harris Limited, one of the largest farm equipment manufacturers in the world. The company broadened its product line to include threshers, reapers, and even safety bicycles. In 1910, Massey-Harris made its first international acquisition by purchasing Johnston Harvester Company of Batavia, New York.

Innovations in Farm Equipment

Massey-Harris began producing its first tractor, the 20 horsepower Massey-Harris GP 15/22, in 1930. As their expertise in tractor manufacturing grew, they introduced the Massey-Harris Pacemaker in 1936 (25 horsepower) and the Model 101 in 1938 (35 horsepower). Later, Massey-Harris became one of the first global tractor manufacturers to introduce a 4WD tractor.

1948 Massey-Harris Model 20 Antique Tractor

A standard-tread 1948 Massey-Harris Model 20
Source: Wikipedia.

Massey-Harrisâ€™ engineer Tom Carroll is credited with inventing the first self-propelled combine in 1938, the Massey-Harris Number 20. Although the initial model was too complex and heavy for mass production, the technological breakthrough paved the way for subsequent models like the Massey Harris Number 21, developed in 1940.

Contributions During Wartime

During World War II, Massey-Harris transformed many of its factories to produce military vehicles and support the Allies. They manufactured tanks, self-propelled artillery vehicles, and tractors for the United States Armed Forces. Some notable vehicles produced by Massey Harris included the M5 Stuart light tank, M24 Chaffee light tank, M41 Howitzer Motor Carriage self-propelled artillery, M44 self-propelled howitzer, M36 Jackson tank destroyer, and M19 Multiple Gun Motor Carriage Self-propelled anti-aircraft artillery vehicles, among others.

Post-war, Massey-Harris developed the triple series tractors, featuring updated styling, a new color scheme, power steering, live power take-off (PTO), and hydraulics.

Acquisition by AGCO Corporation

In 1997, Massey Ferguson was acquired by AGCO Corporation, a publicly traded farm equipment manufacturer with annual sales exceeding $9 billion. Headquartered in Duluth, Georgia, AGCO operates globally and distributes its products through five core brands: Fendt, Challenger, GSI, Massey Ferguson, and Valtra. AGCO products reach over 140 countries through approximately 3,150 independent dealers and distributors.

Explore AGCO brand dealers:

Massey Ferguson dealer locations
Fendt dealer locations
Valtra dealer locations
Challenger dealer locations

Evolution of Branding

The company underwent a complete rebranding when it became Massey Ferguson in 1958. Prior to this, the branding featured a red circle with MH for Massey-Harris.

Massey-Harris Logo

Current Massey Ferguson Logo

Massey Fergusonâ€™s Current Operations

Over the decades, Massey Ferguson has expanded its product offerings to include high-horsepower tractors, advanced combine harvesters, combine headers, square and round balers, windrowers, planters, loaders, and grounds care mowers. AGCO has been working to integrate Massey Fergusonâ€™s production and supply chain procurement with its other brands to reduce manufacturing costs and improve synergies. Several factories share resources with other AGCO brands.

Today, Massey Ferguson operates eight global manufacturing facilities, including:

Hesston, Kansas, USA: Hesston is recognized for pioneering the big baler concept in the 1970s. It continues to produce balers, hay and forage equipment. The plant employs about 1,100 workers and features 13 production lines.
Beauvais, France: Beauvais is Massey Fergusonâ€™s most modern tractor facility, exporting 85% of its production globally. Approximately 2,300 employees work at the Beauvais facility.
Breganze, Italy: The Gold Harvesting Competence Center in Breganze has manufactured Combine Harvesters for over 60 years. It shares resources with Fendt combines and Laverda. About 700 employees work at the Breganze facility.
Changzhou, China: Opened in 2015, the Changzhou facility produces tractors for the Asia-Pacific region. About 1,000 employees work at the Changzhou facility.
Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil: Tractors, engines, generators, sugar cane harvesters, and sprayers are produced at Mogi das Cruzes. Massey Ferguson also has an Emissions Control Laboratory at this location. About 750 employees work at the Mogi das Cruzes facility.
Santa Rosa, Brazil: Opened in 1975, Santa Rosa produces combine harvesters for the broader Latin America region. About 400 employees work at the Santa Rosa facility.
Canoas, Brazil: As the largest tractor factory in Latin America, Canoas produces over 50% of Brazil's total tractors. About 1,170 employees work at the Canoas facility.
IbirubÃ¡, Brazil: The facility manufactures planters and implements. About 230 employees work at the IbirubÃ¡ facility.