OMAHA, Neb. — (May 11, 2026) — CLAAS, a global leader in agricultural machinery manufacturing, is doubling down on its commitment to Nebraska and North America through continued investment in infrastructure, innovation, and workforce development, efforts underscored by recent state legislation and a major expansion at its Omaha headquarters.
Legislative Signing
On Thursday, May 7, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen signed two bills into law in the presence of Nebraska senators and chamber leaders at the CLAAS North American headquarters in Omaha. The selection of CLAAS for the signing ceremony highlights the company’s role as a cornerstone employer in the state and a partner in its economic future.
- LB 847, is an omnibus bill that, among other things, tasks the Department of Labor with tracking and growing apprenticeship opportunities.
- LB 1165 (Grow the Good Life Act), was written to incentivize the retention and hiring of Nebraska employees and investments in businesses through income tax credits.
The robust apprenticeship program at CLAAS Omaha is modeled after the German dual education system, which combines practical, on-the-job training with theoretical education in vocational schools. Lawmakers in Nebraska have recognized the benefits of such a program, and LB847 works to support similar opportunities throughout the state. LB1165 is designed to retain major employers like CLAAS, who are essential to the economic growth of the state.
What is a Richtfest?
On Friday, May 8, CLAAS celebrated a major milestone with a ceremony called “Richtfest” — a German tradition marking the moment a building reaches its full height during its construction. With the roof installation completed on their new 44,800-square-foot Research and Development Center, the company brought together employees, construction workers, architects and the general contractor to recognize the construction progress.
In keeping with tradition, the management team and construction partners hammered the final nails into a ceremonial wooden beam, and a decorated tree was placed atop the building. The ceremony honors the construction team and symbolizes good fortune for the future of the facility.
The new R&D Center was designed by Slate Architecture and is being constructed by Ironhide Construction, a Nebraska-based firm specializing in commercial and industrial projects across the region, further reinforcing CLAAS’s investment in local expertise and partnerships.
“Nebraska offers us more than a place to operate,” said President and Managing Director for CLAAS Omaha, Matthias Ristow. “It is a meaningful anchor for our North American growth, allowing us to stay close to our customers and develop equipment that meets the real demands farmers face every day. It’s an environment that makes it easy for us to invest in our employees as well as our facilities.”
From advanced product development to workforce training and customer experience, the company’s Omaha campus is evolving into a central engine for innovation and retention — one that benefits farmers, employees, and the broader regional economy alike.
