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To expand its global presence in Agriculture equipment, John Deere established a green field project in 1999 under a 50:50 joint venture with Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) — an engineering company of repute from India. A state of the art tractor manufacturing plant for 5000 series John Deere tractors was set up at Sanaswadi, near Pune, in the state of Maharashtra. These tractors were introduced in India in early 2000.
In 2005, Deere & Company acquired nearly all the remaining shares in this joint venture. The new enterprise, John Deere India Private Limited, Sanaswadi, Pune, operates through a network of 18 area offices, 4 divisional offices and more than 400 authorized dealers spread across the country.
The factory currently produces modern tractors of 35, 38, 40, 41, 42, 45, 50, 55, 60, and 75 Hp capacities for domestic markets. Tractors manufactured in Sanaswadi are also exported to the USA, Mexico, Turkey, North and South Africa, and South East Asia. The company has received awards for export excellence in 2005 and 2006 from the Engineering Export Promotion Council.
World-Class Technology
John Deere translates the farmer's interest into superior product features through its world-class manufacturing facility at Sanaswadi, Pune.
Spread across 112 acres, the factory has a total built up area of around 50,000 sq. meters. Manufacturing is carried out at three inter-linked factories - Transmission, Engine and Vehicle Assembly.
Modern manufacturing practices like JIT, delivery of components at assembly stations and movement of tractor parts through an overhead conveyor, ensure streamlined operations. The total manufacturing effort is geared to provide total value to the customer through high quality standards.
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| High Precision CMM Machines |
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| Rear Axle Assembly |
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| Engine Assembly |
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| Vehicle Assembly Line |
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| Training |
Transmission Factory
The heart of the factory, the transmission assembly has state-of-the-art systems adopted from the best assembly practices of renowned leaders. This provides one of the finest tractor transmission systems.
The 300-odd components in the transmission system are manufactured to precise tolerances for efficient transmission of power. High precision CNC machines ensure high quality of components manufactured while CMM machines check adherence to quality standards.
Engine Factory
The engine assembly line is designed to produce one of the worlds highly fuel efficient and powerful engines. Each station is ergonomically designed with built-in features to ensure adherence to exacting quality standards. The engines are transported during assembly on an overhead conveyor.
A leak test at sub assembly stage and as fully assembled engine is conducted to ensure a 100% leak proof engine.
Pre-operation and post-operation online quality checks are also carried out to ensure quality. Critical joints are fastened using electric multi spindle machines capable of torque, yield and angle control.
Cleanliness of components is continuously maintained using special purpose washing machines both online as well as offline. Finally, every engine is tested for performance at the Company's Engine Test Cells which are one of the most modern in the industry.
Highly sophisticated and well-equipped Metrology and Metallurgy laboratories support the entire manufacturing operation.
Vehicle Factory
The assembly of John Deere tractors is carried out through an overhead conveyor system. This ensures high productivity through lower operator fatigue and greater convenience. Inspection loops carry out random auditing of the tractors under assembly.
Pneumatic tools and torque wrenches with designated torque for fasteners, provided at every station, ensure high reliability. And at the end of the assembly line every tractor undergoes final inspection to ensure that stringent quality standards are met.
IT at the Workplace
A high levels of computerization underlines the operations at John Deere India. The Company is equipped with state-of-the-art computer and communication facilities, giving it the interconnectivity and interactivity imperative in today's increasingly competitive market.
The company has implemented SAP system for sales and distribution as well as integration of manufacturing processes. Area offices, dealers, depots and C & F agents are networked to enhance efficiency and customer service.
Training is also provided periodically to employees as well as dealers to upgrade their skills and perform better.
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