This year marks the first appearance for Moline, Ill.-based Deere & Company on Vetrepreneur’s 10 Best Corporations for Veteran-Owned Businesses, but the 172-year-old company has a long history of supporting our nation’s military.

John Deere’s son-in-law served with was a member of the 129th Illinois Volunteers during the Civil War. The company converted many of its manufacturing lines to produce military vehicles and materials during World Wars I and I and in 1942, John Deere employees, family members and friends formed the John Deere Maintenance Battalion. More than 4,500 John Deere employees entered military service during World War II.

Kathy Ramp, supplier diversity manager for Deere & Company said this legacy created the foundation for the company’s efforts to support veteran-owned businesses.

"We’re honored to be included with the other prestigious companies that have received this recognition," Ramp said.

Ramp also said that the company understands the value of including veteran-owned businesses in their supplier diversity program.

"Historically, we’ve found that doing the right thing turns out to be best for our business financially," Ramp said. "History has shown that companies that embrace diversity in their supplier relationships often have successful and sustainable businesses."

Tom Knoll, vice president, Worldwide Supply Management and Logistics agreed.

"A diverse supply chain is crucial to our growth. If we do not support a supply chain that is as diverse as our global customer base, we will be at a distinct competitive disadvantage in the future," Knoll said. "We also feel that veteran-owned businesses are vital to help us meet our corporate goals and improve our company."

Ramp said the company plans to continue to improve it’s efforts to do business with veteran-owned businesses.

"We also know that we can’t rest on our laurels," Ram said. "That’s why we continue to strive to increase the number of veteran-owned businesses in our supply base. We continue to look at ways to improve our supplier diversity program, year over year. One of the ways we are doing this is by implementing a second-tier process to have our strategic suppliers report on their use of diverse suppliers and how this supports their business with John Deere."

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