Laramie, WY (USA) – April 1, 2003 – IDES, the leading provider of plastic materials content management solutions, today announced that John Deere has chosen the IDES i-Catalog Platform to manage its plastics data for approved materials and materials currently in use in John Deere plastic parts. Using IDES, John Deere will increase operational efficiencies and effectively manage essential materials and key supplier information.

IDES provides John Deere with a comprehensive platform to search the IDES database of 42,000 plastics or search only John Deere approved or in-use plastics. In addition to technical datasheets and multi-point data, John Deere material standards are integrated into the solution, providing part designers immediate access to one source for critical information during material selection to optimize material cost. All design and sourcing employees, and John Deere molding and material suppliers are able to access this trusted content via a web browser.

"With the new service from IDES, our global organization can expect to streamline internal and external communications, while reducing the amount of time spent searching for material engineering and analysis information," said Jay Olson, Enterprise Plastics Technology Manager at John Deere.

"Companies across all industries continue to enhance enterprise efficiencies, and the plastics industry is quickly adopting the same strategy by deploying the IDES i-Catalog Platform," said Mike Kmetz, president for IDES. "As a valued client since 1991, we look forward to a lasting, productive relationship with John Deere. John Deere can rely on our rich experience in addressing the unique requirements of plastics companies and related industries."

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About John Deere
Deere & Company (NYSE: DE) is the world's leading producer of equipment for agriculture and forestry, a major manufacturer of equipment used in construction and lawn, grounds and turf care, and engines used in heavy equipment. Additionally, through company subsidiaries, Deere provides financial services and other related activities that support the core businesses.
http://www.deere.com

About IDES - One Source. Plastics Data.
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