Pro Arb visited the head office of Vermeer EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) in the Netherlands to meet regional manager Stephan Oppelaar, marketing specialist Pim Nolting and solutions specialist Jasper De Smit along with the managing director of Vermeer UK, Leslie Goodman
Vermeer was established in 1948 by Gary Vermeer, an American of Dutch descent in Pella, Iowa. Gary had a background in farming when he moved into engineering and his first experience of manufacturing came on his invention of a mechanical wagon hoist in the early 1940s. Since then, Vermeer, has developed many machines across a vast range of markets. The family-run business is soon to become third generation with Jason Andringa set to take over from his mother, Mary, as president and CEO. Vermeer is a truly global company with offices, manufacturing facilities or dealerships on six continents. Vermeer has three regional offices established in an effort to foster a global mindset, culture, presence and footprint.
BC160XL sub-750kg chipper
The EMEA region was set up in 1970 to serve the needs of industrial dealers in Europe, the Middle East and Africa and to provide them with distribution support, product and service support, parts and whole goods, training for dealers and customer events.
The industrial division is subdivided into underground, environmental, track and cutting edge segments. Each segment works with the distribution channel to provide sales, training and service support. The environmental segment includes tree care, wood-waste processing and organic recycling. Vermeer provides solutions for the tree care industry including brush chippers, stump cutters and tree spades as well as skid steers.
Leslie Goodman on a skid steer loader with log grab
Vermeer UK, headed by Leslie Goodman, offers all the CE certified Vermeer products from the environmental sector.
The BC160XL disc-style chipper is designed for the European market and weighs in at 750kg. The chipper has standard features including the AutoFeed II system to help maximise productivity as well as a whole host of innovative safety features including bottom and side feed stop bars. The engine monitoring system and the controls required to operate the machine are located around the infeed table. Whatever the position of the turntable, the operator does not have to walk around to adjust controls or check the engine, thus increasing operator efficiency.
S40TX tracked stump grinder
The SC362 stump cutter has a 35hp petrol engine and touch-sensitive controls that only engage the cutting wheel when the operator makes contact. This enhances operator safety by avoiding the machine running out of control. The SC362 requires a very low investment compared to traditional diesel stump grinders.
An assortment of Vermeer machinery
The Vermeer tracked skid steers, the S800TX, S725TX and S450TX, are becoming ever more popular within the UK tree care industry. The S800TX, which is specifically designed for short runs and operation in confined spaces, gives operators a new level of performance and versatility. On today’s job sites, flexibility is key. With a universal attachment mounting plate, quick hydraulic connects and an array of attachments available, the S800TX is ready to tackle a variety of jobs. The machine is capable of lifting almost one tonne with the log grapple attachment while the S725TX can comfortably lift 750kg.
For more information on the products offered by Vermeer UK, visit the website at
www.vermeeruk.co.uk
