In an April 29 press release announcing an investment in the company's factory in Bad Saulgau, Germany, Claas said it would "discontinue the production of loader and forage transport wagons at the end of the 2022 season" to create additional capacity for ORBIS row-crop header production.

"It is evident ... the self-loading wagon harvesting method is becoming progressively less important than the forage harvester, and that unit sales are continuing to decline globally. This means that the loader wagon segment is evolving even more than before into a shrinking niche market sector with a regional focus," the press release stated.

The company stated parts and service for these equipment lines would continue "in the future."

Claas will invest $42.1 million in its Bad Saulgau facility in over the coming years "to adjust production capacities to meet increasing demand and further future growth." This will include expanding the existing infrastructure and redesigning a 53,800 square foot hall. 

"The success of Claas products intended for professional forage harvesting technology and, most importantly, the positive sales forecasts for the new ORBIS row-crop headers mean that the structure of the site in Bad Saulgau has to be adapted," the press release said.