Ford Pioneers Green Seating Alternative, Licenses Soy Seating To John Deere

Ford Pioneers Green Seating Alternative, Licenses Soy Seating To John Deere

Farmers could soon bring in the harvest using equipment made with their own crops, thanks to collaboration between Ford and John Deere, the world’s leading manufacturer of agricultural equipment. The two companies have agreed that Deere will further develop and manufacture Ford’s soy-based flexible foam for seating materials in tractors, riding mowers and other equipment.

Ford first introduced soy-based polyol to the auto industry in the seat backs and seat cushions of the 2008 Ford Mustang. The 2008 Ford F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator now also feature this eco-friendly technology, with the next application coming on the 2009 Ford Escape. Meanwhile, Deere has used soy-based products for body panels on some farm equipment.

Ford will work with John Deere and its seat supplier, Sears Manufacturing Company, to bring this greener alternative to traditional seat foam to fields and even backyards nationwide.

“As all of industry faces daunting sustainability challenges, Ford is pioneering renewable solutions and forging strategic partnerships to extend our capabilities and our ability to innovate,” said Gerhardt Schmidt, vice president, Ford Research and Advanced Engineering. “We are pleased to collaborate with John Deere to continue the development of soy-based foam and research other technologies to benefit both our industries.”

Ford’s soy-based foam will be developed for use in the seat backs, seat cushions, arm rests and head rests of John Deere equipment, which is used in agriculture, forestry, construction, and lawn and turf care. Sears Manufacturing also will work to incorporate the technology into Class V-VII medium and heavy trucks.

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