MILTON, Ga. – Exide Technologies has earned recognition as a 2013 Partner-level supplier in the John Deere Achieving Excellence Program. The Partner-level status is Deere & Co.’s highest supplier rating.
 
As a supplier of lead-acid starting batteries for John Deere heavy-duty equipment, Exide was selected for the honor in recognition of its dedication to providing products and service of outstanding quality as well as its commitment to continuous improvement. Exide’s Dave Brown, senior director, Americas OEM/OES; Ellonyia Yenney, OE/OES account manager, heavy duty; and Michael Neverman, materials and distribution manager at the Manchester facility, accepted the recognition during formal ceremonies held this week at the RiverCenter in Davenport, Iowa.
 
Suppliers that participate in the Achieving Excellence program are evaluated annually in several key performance categories, including quality, cost management, delivery, technical support and wavelength (a measure of responsiveness). John Deere Supply Management created the Achieving Excellence program in 1991 to provide a supplier evaluation and feedback process that promotes continuous improvement.
 
"Recognition by John Deere for exceptional performance acknowledges that Exide is consistently meeting the demanding quality standards that John Deere expects," said Bob Caruso, president and CEO of Exide Technologies. "Exide is in business to make our customers successful, and we recognize the competitive challenges that the agriculture and off-road markets face today. We appreciate John Deere’s continued support and confidence as we maintain the highest levels of quality and service to our valued partner."  
 
Exide manufactures lead-acid batteries for John Deere at its transportation manufacturing facility in Manchester, Iowa. The company has supplied John Deere for more than 25 years.