John Deere's Achieving Excellence (AE) Program is designed to encourage expansion and cohesiveness between subsidiaries within the company. The Ohio company known as McGregor Metalworking was invited to Moline, Illinois this spring to attend John Deere's Annual Supplier Conference for AE vendors. The annual banquet hosts 180 global suppliers in the field of lawn care and farming equipment that are partnered with Classic John Deere.

The AE program participants are judged on their performance of quality, delivery, cost management, technical support and lifespan.

"This is a tremendous achievement for our organization and a testament to the dedication of all of our associates to the excellence that our customers expect and deserve," Sales Account Manager Jamie McGregor told the press.

The supervisors of McGregor accredit their reception of the award as a testament to the competitive nature of their successful business on a global scale, especially in regard to the stamped metal components they provide to major companies like John Deere. To demonstrate this level of achievement, less than 5 percent of Deere & Company's total supply base receives this top distinction.