CLAAS is an agricultural machinery manufacturer founded in 1913 and based in Harsewinkel, Germany. CLAAS offers a wide variety of technologically innovative combines, hay tool, baler and self-propelled forage harvester products to provide farmers optimum performance in the field. The harvesting equipment is designed at three different worldwide factories. The design, performance, and reliability of these products have made CLAAS a global market leader for nearly a century.

With the knowledge and innovative thinking of over 9,000 employees worldwide, CLAAS is committed to establishing its technology as the standard for the agricultural equipment market. In fact, in 2011 and for the eighth consecutive year, the company's North American business unit, CLAAS of America, was one of just 50 companies recognized by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) for ground breaking innovation in agriculture, food and biological systems.

This focus on innovation is key to the efforts of CLAAS to meet the increased global demand for agricultural machinery as both population and food demand grows. It is also critical in weathering the lows of the ag equipment market caused by economic downturns, and weak commodity prices and farm income.

CLAAS has a significant presence in the United States and across North America. CLAAS operates one of the industry's most modern combine production facilities in Omaha, Nebraska. The facility, which manufactures LEXION combines, was completed in 2001 in partnership with Caterpillar, Inc. In 2002, CLAAS became the sole owner of the plant and started operating as CLAAS Omaha LLC.

Claas of America was originally located in Columbus, Indiana. In December 2003, the headquarters for CLAAS of America relocated to Omaha. Since that time, the Omaha facility has expanded to house Claas Omaha, Inc. and Brötje Aerospace. The main parts facility for CLAAS in North America remains in Columbus and houses parts for all CLAAS products sold in North America.

Ice Miller has worked closely with CLAAS of America, Claas Omaha Inc., and their parent company, Claas KGaA for over two decades, helping them on a wide variety of legal matters throughout North America including advice on distributor agreements, product liability and warranty claims, labor issues, and general risk management.