In 2012, Deere & Company marked the 175th anniversary of its existence, which began when company founder John Deere successfullymanufactured and marketed the self-scouring plow in 1837.
Things have changed tremendously since then. From the one-man shop at its inception, Deere currently has more than 60,000 employees worldwide. Today, John Deere designs and manufactures high-tech products in some of the industry’s most modern factories.
John Deere Electronic Solutions (JDES), based in Fargo, N.D, strengthens and differentiates Deere’s global business by developing reliable and rugged electronic components and systems that function under the most extreme conditions, thereby increasing our end customers’ productivity. To enhance innovation, expertise and competitiveness, JDES also provides Phoenix branded custom and off-the-shelf electronics and power electronics for original equipment manufacturers worldwide.
In honor of the 175th anniversary celebration, the John Deere Foundation provided a $175,000 grant to help fund Feeding America’s BackPack Program that provides children nutritious and easy-to-prepare food they need over the course of a weekend.
Locally, JDES is collaborating with United Way of Cass-Clay and the Great Plains Food Bank to pilot the 2012 Summer BackPack Program to celebrate through citizenship.
Throughout the summer, JDES is providing the volunteers and resources to fill 500 backpacks each week for 12 weeks. JDES is also matching employee donations of food and money.
“There are programs in place when school is in session, however, during summer break, many of these children have to struggle with hunger again,” said JDES General Manager Tom Budan. “The John Deere Electronic Solutions team is working to fill that gap this summer and, hopefully, create a program that is sustainable into the future.”
