A brief history marking the growth of the John Deere Company
1837
John Deere, a Blacksmith by trade, invents the first commercially successful self-scouring steel plow, which marks the start of John Deere & Company.
1848
The John Deere Company moves from Grand Detour, Illinois to Moline.
1857-1858
Economic conditions of 1857 nearly bankrupts the business. Charles Deere, the son of founder John Deere, takes over business operations.
1868
The business is incorporated as Deere & Company.
1886
>The Company founder, John Deere dies in Moline at the age of 82.
1910-1918
Deere & Company expands product line, mainly by acquisition. The most notable of acquisitions made it the purchase of the Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company-Waterloo Boy Tractors in 1918.
1931-1933
John Deere wins the loyalty of farmers by refusing to reposess products sold to farmers who have fallen on hard times and are unable to make payments. Company sales plunged by almost 90 percent at one point (1932 sales vs. 1929 sales).
1937
Deere & Company celebrates centenial. Sales reach $100 million.
1946-1954
>Intense period of products introduced. John Deere introduces the cotton picker, corn head, and self-propelled combine.
1956
Deere expands marketing & manufacturing operations into Mexico & Germany, marking the start of emergence as a major multinational corporation.
1958
The Industrial Equipment Division is officially established. Although Deere had been doing business in the industrial markets since the 1920's. John Deere credit was also established in 1958.
1960
Production of the venerable Two Cylinder line of tractors comes to an end after forty years. Introduction of the Four and Six cylinder
tractors is made and introduced as "New Generation of Power" or "New Genertation Tractors".
1963
Deere & Company enters the lawn & grounds care business. Deere also becomes the worlds leading agricultural equipment company. This distinction is achieved separately form the lawn & grounds care business.
1966
Deere & Company sales exceed $1 billion for the first time in the company's history.
1970's
Deere & Company experience unprecedented growth. Sales increase by five-fold.
1982-1989
Deere rides out a severe period of agricultural recession but actually gains market share. It is the only major agricultural equipment company to survive and remain independent.
1985
Deere & Company moves into the managed health care field with the founding of a health maintenance organization to provide health care for other companies.
1990's
International economic growth & improved farming outlook propels Deere to new financial highs. International expansion is at a rapid pace.
1998
Earnings reach $1 billion. Cameco Industries, a producer of sugarcane harvesting equipment is acquired.
1999
The John Deere Special Technologies Group is formed.
2000
Timberjack Group is acquired, making it the world's premier producer of timber harvesting equipment. A banking license is granted in Luxembourg, Germany allowing John Deere credit to finance equipment throughout Europe.
2001
ohn Deere Lqandscapes is formed. Company introduces a record setting amount of new products.
2002
Company sales outside of the U.S. and Canada reach a record $3.5 billion. Nearly one third of the world wide total.
2003
For the first time, John Deere branded riding mowers are sold in the mass market through an agreement with the Home Depot Co.
