Deere engineers help to inspire Davenport students

There’s an interesting phenomenon when it comes to engineering jobs. Only 18% of the USA engineering jobs are held by women.

It’s one reason why Deere & Company hosted a special, “Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day.”

Inside Davenport’s Putnam Museum on Thursday, some 50 Davenport eighth grade girls were busy working with Deere engineers.

“I didn’t really know much about being an engineer,” said Alexis King, 14, a student at Sudlow Intermediate School. “I wanted to come see how it was and explore my options.”

Deere is hoping to inspire the next generation of engineers. And with plans to double the Moline-based manufacturer by 2018, it will create plenty of opportunities.

“Only 8% of girls are really interested in persuing engineering careers,” said Anne Ryerson, a Deere product safety engineer. “We really want to expand that.”

Eighth graders are finding out that it’s never too early to learn about careers.

“I think it would be cool to have someone from the Quad Cities that became a really famous engineer,” said Lexi Brandhaggen, 14.

Dreams from Deere that just might help to build the future.

Deere & Company sets bar for success and expansion

There’s a sense of optimism as Deere shareholders emerge from their annual meeting on Wednesday. The Moline-based ag-giant performed solidly in a sluggish global economy last year. It’s now poised to balance expansion globally and close to home.

Retired Deere executive Mike Stohlmeyer, who spent 41 years with the company thinks that will be good news for growing jobs locally and across the country.

“Even though there will be more growth overseas, there will continue to be growth here in the United States and in North America,” he said.

Rising demand for farm equipment is a big factor. Across North America, large tractor and combine sales climbed by about 40% over the last three years. That’s a key source of sales and profits.

“It’s a great impact,” said Jim Bohnsack, chairman of the Rock Island County Board of Supervisors, who also spent 35 years at Deere. “If we didn’t have Deere & Company, we would be in very, very bad shape. This is a great company.”

That optimism is fueling the future. Deere is stepping up its strategic plan. As Allen puts it, moving in the same general direction, but at a faster speed and higher altitude.

That wave of opportunity coming with a population growth and available money. It’s leading to major global investments to provide farm and construction equipment.

“We think that the company can double by 2018,” said Deere Spokesman Ken Golden. “There’s a lot of work to be done. This year has started well. Last year was a strong year.”

And Deere’s core values, from innovation to quality, show how its success continued during challenging times around the world.

“Maybe some politicians could come to John Deere and learn a lesson,” said 42-year Deere retiree Jerry Miller.

With the company approaching its 175th anniversary in 2012, plenty of optimism from a legacy that continues to grow.

Deere posts record first-quarter earnings of $514 million

Deere & Company credits improving demand for equipment and skillful execution of its business plans for posting record first quarter earnings of $514 million.

“Our actions are helping attract customers through advanced new products and technologies,” said Samuel Allen, chairman and chief executive officer.

Big ticket items, like large farm machinery sales, especially in the United States and Canada are continuing to make a major impact.

Construction equipment shipments are experiencing some degree of recovery.

“Our record first-quarter performance is especially gratifying in light of market conditions that remain below normal levels in certain key sectors,” Allen said.