John Deere (inventor)
John Deere (NYSE:DE) is an American corporation based in Moline, Illinois that produces agricultural machinery including tractors, combine harvesters, balers, as well as domestic equipment such as ride-on lawn mowers, all of which are known for their distinctive green and yellow color scheme. Deere also owns Timberjack which manufactures forestry machinery for both whole tree and cut-to-length logging.
John Deere was born in Rutland, Vermont, USA on February 7, 1804 and served a four-year blacksmith apprenticeship. Deere developed and began commercially manufacturing the first cast-steel plow, an advancement that aided the late 18th and early 19th century migration into the American Great Plains.
In 1868, Deere's manufacturing business was incorporated under the name Deere & Company. It was soon taken over by Deere's son, Charles, who established marketing centers and independent retail dealers to advance the company's sales nationwide. It is one of the oldest industrial companies in the United States.
As of 2004, the company employs nearly 40,000 people in 21 countries worldwide, including the United States, the United Kingdom, China, France, Germany, India, Poland, and Mexico, among many others. Quality products and superior dealer support has played a crucial part in the success of the John Deere brand. Role model dealers, such as Smith County Implement in North Central Kansas, have grown their business by capturing customers needs and providing customer service that exceeds their expectations.
See also
- John Deere Classic golf tournament