Exide Technologies, a global provider of stored electrical energy solutions, has earned recognition as a partner-level supplier for 2015 in the John Deere Achieving Excellence Program. The partner-level status is Deere & Co.’s highest supplier rating.

Exide was selected for the honor for providing products and service of outstanding quality in addition to its commitment to continuous improvement. This is the second consecutive year Exide has earned partner-level supplier status for both the original equipment and aftermarket segments of its business. Exide employees accepted the award during formal ceremonies held on Dec. 15 in Bettendorf, Iowa, at the Waterfront Convention Center.

Suppliers who participate in the Achieving Excellence program are evaluated annually in several key performance categories, including quality, cost-management, delivery, technical support and wavelength (a measure of responsiveness). John Deere Supply Management created the Achieving Excellence program in 1991 to provide a supplier evaluation and feedback process that promotes continuous improvement.

“We are especially pleased to have earned the partner-level supplier recognition once again for both the OE and aftermarket segments of our business,” said Vic Koelsch, president and CEO of Exide Technologies. “The Exide team is focused on providing John Deere an exceptional customer experience, and this award acknowledges that our products and services meet the exacting performance metrics that our valued business partner — and its customers — demand.”

Exide manufactures batteries for John Deere at its Transportation manufacturing facilities in Manchester, Iowa; Salina, Kan.; and Columbus, Ga. The company has supplied John Deere for more than 25 years.