John Deere, the iconic agricultural machinery manufacturer, has a rich history dating back to 1837. However, the company wasn't always known by its current name. The evolution of John Deere's brand name reflects the growth and development of this pioneering agricultural equipment company.
In the early days, John Deere's business operated under different names as it expanded and changed ownership. The company's journey from a small blacksmith shop to a global agricultural equipment manufacturer is marked by several name changes that reflect its growth and evolution.
| Year | Company Name |
|---|---|
| 1837-1842 | John Deere's Blacksmith Shop |
| 1843-1847 | L. Andrus Plough Manufacturer |
| 1848-1867 | John Deere's Plow Works |
| 1868-present | Deere & Company |
The Early Years: John Deere's Blacksmith Shop
When John Deere first established his business in 1837 in Grand Detour, Illinois, it was simply known as John Deere's Blacksmith Shop. This humble beginning was where Deere, a skilled blacksmith, created his revolutionary self-scouring steel plow. The plow's ability to cut through the sticky Midwestern soil without clogging quickly gained popularity among local farmers.
During this period, Deere focused on crafting and refining his plows, building a reputation for quality and innovation. The business operated under this name for about five years, serving the local farming community and laying the foundation for what would become a global agricultural equipment manufacturer.
L. Andrus Plough Manufacturer: A Brief Partnership
In 1843, John Deere entered into a business partnership with Leonard Andrus. This partnership led to the creation of a new factory along the Rock River in Illinois, which operated under the name "L. Andrus Plough Manufacturer". This name change reflected the expansion of the business and its increased production capabilities.
The L. Andrus Plough Manufacturer produced about 100 plows in 1842 and increased production to around 400 plows the following year. This partnership allowed Deere to scale up his operations and meet the growing demand for his innovative plows. However, the collaboration was relatively short-lived, lasting only until 1847.
John Deere's Plow Works: Establishing Independence
In 1848, John Deere dissolved his partnership with Andrus and relocated his business to Moline, Illinois. This move marked a significant turning point in the company's history. The business was now known as "John Deere's Plow Works", reflecting Deere's renewed independence and focus on plow manufacturing.
During this period, the company experienced rapid growth and expansion. By 1849, John Deere's Plow Works was producing over 200 plows a month. The company's product line expanded beyond plows to include other farm equipment such as wagons, corn planters, and cultivators. This diversification laid the groundwork for the company's future as a comprehensive agricultural equipment manufacturer.
The Birth of Deere & Company
The most significant name change in the company's history occurred in 1868 when the business was officially incorporated as "Deere & Company". This name has remained unchanged for over 150 years and is still the official corporate name today.
The incorporation of Deere & Company marked a new era of growth and professionalization for the business. Under this name, the company expanded its product line, entered new markets, and eventually became a global leader in agricultural machinery. The transition to Deere & Company also coincided with a shift in leadership, as John Deere's son, Charles Deere, took over the day-to-day operations of the business.
The John Deere Brand: A Legacy of Innovation
While the official corporate name became Deere & Company, the "John Deere" brand continued to be used on products and in marketing. This branding decision helped maintain the connection to the company's founder and his reputation for quality and innovation.
Over time, "John Deere" became synonymous with reliable agricultural equipment. The company's iconic leaping deer logo, introduced in 1876, further solidified the John Deere brand identity. This logo, which has been updated several times over the years, remains one of the most recognizable corporate symbols in the world.
Expansion and Diversification Under the Deere & Company Name
As Deere & Company, the business continued to grow and diversify its product offerings. In 1912, the company began developing its first tractor, although it wasn't until 1918 that John Deere entered the tractor market in earnest by acquiring the Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company.
Under the Deere & Company name, the business expanded into new markets and product categories, including:
- Construction equipment
- Forestry machinery
- Lawn and garden equipment
- Financial services
This diversification strategy, pursued under the Deere & Company name, has helped the business weather economic fluctuations and changes in the agricultural industry.
The John Deere Name Today
Today, while the official corporate name remains Deere & Company, the business is widely known simply as "John Deere". This name is used on products, in marketing materials, and in everyday conversation. The decision to maintain the John Deere brand name has allowed the company to leverage its strong heritage and reputation for quality.
The John Deere name has become so iconic that it's recognized far beyond the agricultural community. It represents not just farm equipment, but a certain American work ethic and commitment to quality. The company's slogan, "Nothing Runs Like a Deere", further reinforces the strength of the John Deere brand.
Legacy of the John Deere Name
The evolution of John Deere's company name reflects the growth and development of the business over nearly two centuries. From a small blacksmith shop to a global corporation, each name change marked a significant milestone in the company's history.
Despite these changes, the core values established by John Deere himself have remained constant. The company continues to prioritize innovation, quality, and customer service, just as its founder did when he created his first self-scouring plow in 1837.
The decision to maintain the John Deere name as the primary brand, even after the company was incorporated as Deere & Company, has proven to be a wise one. It has allowed the business to maintain a strong connection to its heritage while continuing to innovate and expand into new markets.
As Deere & Company looks to the future, the John Deere name continues to represent cutting-edge agricultural technology, reliability, and a deep understanding of farmers' needs. Whether it's developing autonomous tractors or precision agriculture systems, the company remains true to John Deere's original vision of making farmers' lives easier and more productive.
FAQs About When John Deere Used To Be Called
- What was John Deere's original business name?
John Deere's original business was called "John Deere's Blacksmith Shop" when it was established in 1837. - When did the company become Deere & Company?
The company was officially incorporated as Deere & Company in 1868, which remains its official corporate name today. - Why did John Deere partner with Leonard Andrus?
John Deere partnered with Leonard Andrus in 1843 to expand production capabilities and meet growing demand for his plows. - When did John Deere start using the leaping deer logo?
The iconic leaping deer logo was first introduced in 1876 and has been a key part of the John Deere brand ever since. - Has the John Deere name always been used on products?
Yes, even after becoming Deere & Company, the John Deere name has consistently been used on products and in marketing.