Phosphate-Free Cleaner and Zirconium System Achieves Level 2 Status on JDFM17, Enabling Faster Adoption of Phosphate-Free Pretreatment
Bloomington, IN – March 12, 2025 – Circle-Prosco, Inc. (CPI) has been officially designated as a Preferred Pretreatment Supplier by John Deere, making it easier than ever for Tier 1 and 2 suppliers to transition to zirconium-based pretreatment with an accelerated approval process.
This milestone comes as agricultural and industrial manufacturers face increasing pressure to adopt more sustainable, cost-effective alternatives to traditional phosphate systems. With John Deere’s approval, Steelcote™-2000, CPI’s fifth-generation zirconium pretreatment, is now a pre-approved solution that meets Deere’s stringent performance standards while eliminating Hazmat waste, phosphate sludge, and acid burnouts.
“John Deere suppliers can now make the switch to zirconium chemistry with confidence, knowing that Steelcote™-2000 delivers superior paint adhesion and corrosion resistance—without the environmental and operational drawbacks of phosphate-based systems,” said Darren Howard, Key Account Manager at Circle-Prosco, Inc. “This is a major step forward in improving efficiency and sustainability across the supply chain.”
Why This Matters for Manufacturers
- Faster Adoption & Compliance – With Level 2 status on JDFM17, John Deere suppliers can now adopt Steelcote™-2000 without the lengthy approval process typically required for new pretreatment solutions.
- Lower Costs & Increased Efficiency – Steelcote™-2000 eliminates phosphate sludge, hazardous waste disposal, and excessive energy consumption, helping manufacturers streamline operations.
- Sustainability Without Sacrificing Performance – Designed for superior paint adhesion and corrosion resistance, this phosphate-free alternative meets or exceeds the performance of traditional systems while aligning with evolving environmental regulations.
Availability
Steelcote™-2000 is available immediately to John Deere Tier 1 and 2 suppliers. For more information on transitioning to a phosphate-free pretreatment system, visit https://circleprosco.com/.
About Circle-Prosco, Inc.
Founded in 1971, Circle-Prosco, Inc. (CPI) is a leader in pretreatment chemistry and surface finishing solutions, partnering with manufacturers worldwide to solve complex challenges. CPI’s innovative, sustainable solutions help businesses enhance coating performance, reduce waste, and improve operational efficiency.
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