INFRASTRUCTURE

Vermeer opens new global parts distribution centre

Vermeer has opened a 312,000sq.ft state-of-the-art global parts distribution centre to support its customers and dealers around the world. Vermeer team members will package and ship parts worldwide from the facility, located on the grounds of the corporate headquarters in Pella, Iowa, US.

 The official opening of Vermeer’s state-of-the-art global parts distribution centre in Pella, Iowa

The official opening of Vermeer’s state-of-the-art global parts distribution centre in Pella, Iowa

The global parts distribution centre builds on a legacy of customer support, located at the end of the old runway where company founder Gary Vermeer once delivered parts to Vermeer customers by plane.

"Vermeer is focused on optimising this facility so we can most efficiently deliver the right part at the right time to our customers. This facility allows customer support, engineering, procurement and logistics to be co-located. They work in conjunction with our operational team members to make sure we fulfil customer and dealer expectations daily," Tony Briggs, vice president of the Vermeer Lifecycle product group, said.

Vermeer is focused on optimising this facility so we can most efficiently deliver the right part at the right time

The location of the global parts distribution centre leverages the manufacturing capabilities of the Vermeer mile, where most Vermeer products are assembled.

"Almost one-third of the warehouse is filled with parts made by different manufacturing plants on the Vermeer mile. It is very convenient for us to be located near the manufacturing facilities that supply those parts. Ultimately, we bundle the Vermeer-manufactured parts with other parts and ship the orders around the world to take care of our customers," Briggs said.

With three times more space than the previous building, the new global parts distribution centre includes 23 dock doors, a warehouse management system and improved warehouse technology. This investment will help drive efficiency by centralising parts storage.

"With people at the centre of everything we do, this new facility helps our team members equip dealers and support customers and that ultimately makes a real impact on their ability to get important work done," Jason Andringa, Vermeer president and CEO, said.

The global parts distribution centre is the second facility Vermeer has opened in 2023. Earlier this year, the company expanded its parts manufacturing footprint in Des Moines, Iowa. That facility manufactures horizontal directional drill tooling and utility tractor attachments.

As the number of products and markets Vermeer supports expands, the company continues to invest in its aftermarket efforts to meet the needs of a global economy.

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