CNH Opens €21M Simulation Hub in Modena, Reshaping Farm Equipment Design

CNH Industrial, the New York-listed manufacturer of agricultural and construction equipment, opened an advanced virtual simulation ecosystem and automated AutoStore logistics warehouse at its San Matteo research and development hub in Modena on 13 June, according to Global Agriculture. The investment represents a significant expansion of the company's engineering footprint in Emilia-Romagna, the region that has long anchored the machinery sector's supply chains and innovation networks.

The facility combines digital simulation technology with automated parts warehousing, enabling engineers to test equipment designs and optimize component delivery without building physical prototypes. According to the company's announcement, the ecosystem accelerates product development cycles and reduces the time required to move parts through the supply chain—a critical advantage in an industry where seasonal demand and global competition demand rapid iteration.

The Modena hub sits within Motor Valley, the cluster of engineering firms, component suppliers, and logistics operators that spans the provinces of Modena, Reggio Emilia, and Bologna. CNH's investment signals confidence in the region's technical workforce and established infrastructure, even as European agricultural equipment makers face pressure from lower-cost competitors and the shift toward electrification and precision farming technology.