CLAAS is an agricultural machinery manufacturer founded in 1913, based in Harsewinkel, Germany in the region of North Rhine Westphalia. CLAAS agricultural products are usually sold under the CLAAS name, except in North America where CLAAS combines are distributed as Lexion combines by Caterpillar dealers. The CLAAS product range includes combine harvesters, forage harvesters, balers, mowers, rakes, tedders and other harvesting machines. In 2004, CLAAS purchased the Renault Tractors & Agricultural division from the French company Renault.