Deere & Company’s worldwide Agricultural and Commercial & Consumer Equipment (CCE) Divisions have been combined in a single business unit called the Agriculture & Turf Division, with effect from May 2009.
The existing organisation of the John Deere business at Langar and the company’s dealer network in the UK and Ireland remains unaffected, says Richard Johnson, managing director of John Deere Limited.
“In time there are likely to be some changes to the way we organise ourselves internally, but our sales and marketing role remains the same and our dealers will continue with their existing franchising arrangements. Essentially the company is recognising the strengths and synergies that exist between the agricultural and turfcare sectors, and the company remains committed to innovation and growth in all segments of our business,” he adds.
“We continue to recognise the vital role that our dealers have to play both today and in the future, delivering unrivalled parts and service support to all our customers while maintaining a sound financial basis to their business. To this end, the company is currently engaged in implementing a number of improvements across the network as part of our Dealer of the Future initiative.”
Almost 2000 John Deere dealer principals and dealership parts and service managers from 52 countries in Europe, Africa and the Middle East (EAME) attended a three-day ‘Partnering for Success’ programme earlier this year. This was aimed at supporting dealer development and enhancing the network’s parts and service business, to meet the demands of future customers and help maximise the productivity of their equipment.
Workshops at the event focused on ‘Dealer of the Future’ strategies and tools, provided training opportunities and introduced the newly designed PowerGard service concept, with additional presentations on active merchandising initiatives and the use of IT solutions.
Highlight of the event was a 3,000m2 display floor introducing the new ‘John Deere Place’ shop concept. This accommodated more than 30 booths, which presented parts and service solutions from John Deere factories, key suppliers and licensed retailers. The display floor was complemented by a 300m2 shop, which showcased new concepts in displaying and selling toys, clothing and other John Deere merchandise.
John Deere Limited www.johndeere.co.uk