Vermeer Corporation Holds Commemoration in Honor of Year-One Tornado Recovery Efforts

Vermeer Corporation Holds Commemoration in Honor of Year-One Tornado Recovery Efforts
On Friday, Vermeer Corporation held the groundbreaking for a monument commemorating the buildings destroyed by an EF3 tornado last July, while celebrating the strength of the Vermeer team and the growth and progress that is happening along the Vermeer Mile.

“The tornado was the greatest challenge Vermeer has ever faced. I am incredibly proud to say our team has turned it into an opportunity. Not only are we rebuilding what we had, but we're becoming stronger than ever before,” said President and CEO Jason Andringa.

With three new facilities underway at the Pella-based headquarters, Vermeer is investing heavily in the future.

The first facility scheduled to open this summer is a new engineering and R&D building named Shop 48. The name stems from Founder Gary Vermeer’s shop where his innovations came to life and led to the founding of Vermeer Corporation in 1948. With more than 100,000 square feet of space dedicated to building and testing new equipment, team members will begin to move into this space in August.

“We're very fortunate at Vermeer to have a 71-year history of innovation. Shop 48 will take our innovation and growth opportunities long into the future,” said President of Industrial Solutions Doug Hundt.

Plant 7 was formally announced on Friday as the new facility being built where Plants 5 & 6 once stood. Nearly 500,000 square feet of manufacturing and office space will expand beyond the original manufacturing footprint that took up just less than 400,000 square feet of this area. The new facility will connect to the original Plant 7 that was damaged in the tornado but repaired in the months following. Together, they will take on the name Plant 7. Scheduled to be completed in fall 2020, this facility is being built to keep team members safe at every touchpoint on the job, create ultimate productivity, be a collaborative and engaging space for team members and allow for growth long into the future. Incorporating advanced manufacturing techniques and continuous improvement best practices will help drive world-class manufacturing. “Looking ahead, this facility is going to be world-class in every feature. We're advancing our paint technology, coat technology and the space for our team,” said Vice President of Operations Bill Blackorby.

Also recognized was the new Eco Center. Replacing the one lost in the tornado, the new building will be placed behind Plant 1 and open its doors in January 2020. The Eco-Center helps responsibly process and manage waste along the Mile.

“Our customers depend on our ability to get high-quality equipment to them - this new facility makes us excited to continue to deliver on this promise into the future,” said Executive Vice President of Forage and Lifecycle and Chief Marketing Officer Mark Core.

About Vermeer Corporation

Vermeer delivers a real impact in a progressing world through the manufacture of high-quality agricultural, underground construction, surface mining, tree care and environmental equipment. With a reputation for durability and reliability, that equipment is backed by localized customer service and support provided by independent dealers around the world. To learn more about Vermeer, products, the dealer network and financing options, visit Vermeer.com.

A Message from the Vermeer CEO           Watch the Documentary

Recent News Articles

Vermeer Charitable Foundation supports local and educational efforts in 2023

Jan 23, 2024

Local focus remains strong as Vermeer Charitable Foundation supports civic, church and educational needs around central Iowa.

Read More

Gary Vermeer inducted into Farm Equipment's Shortline Legends Hall of Fame

Dec 12, 2023

Gary Vermeer, the founder of Vermeer Corporation, has been inducted into the inaugural Farm Equipment's Shortline Legends Hall of Fame.

Read More

Vermeer welcomes Shane Rourke as new managing director of Forage Solutions

Oct 24, 2023

Vermeer Corporation names Shane Rourke as the new managing director of Forage Solutions, the company’s business segment that produces Vermeer® agricultural equipment.

Read More