SSAB has earned recognition as a Partner-level supplier for 2012 in the John Deere Achieving Excellence Program. The Partner-level status is Deere & Company’s highest supplier rating. The Swedish-based company was selected for the honor in recognition of its dedication to providing products and services of outstanding quality as well as its commitment to continuous improvement. SSAB representatives accepted the recognition during formal ceremonies held on 5 March 2013 in Davenport, Iowa.
SSAB is a supplier of steel plate to John Deere’s Construction and Forestry operations as well as ultra-high strength sheet steels to Deere’s Agricultural and Turf facilities through their premier fabricators. SSAB has also worked collaboratively with Deere in finding ways to reduce weight, improve durability, enhance manufacturing and lower costs by combining Deere’s product ingenuity with the new advancements in steels developed by SSAB.
“John Deere demands the best in everything they do and no less from their suppliers,” said Jim Barber. SSAB’s regional sales & product development manager. “SSAB is pleased to be recognized for our contribution in providing Deere high quality steel and technological support going further than any steel supplier in developing and supplying stronger, lighter and more sustainable steel solutions.”
Suppliers who participate in the Achieving Excellence program are evaluated annually in several key performance categories including quality, cost management, delivery, technical support and wavelength, which is a measure of responsiveness. John Deere Supply Management created the program in 1991 to provide a supplier evaluation and feedback process that promotes continuous improvement.
“SSAB is receiving this award for the fourth consecutive year for our support in cost reduction, on time supply, dedication to high quality and technological support,” said Barber. “Deere and SSAB share a common core value—an endless search for ingenuity that improves products for their customers.”