Vermeer has officially opened its new 29,000-square-metre Global Parts Distribution Center in Pela, Iowa.
At the new facility on the grounds of the copmany’s corporate headquarters, Vermeer team members will package and ship parts worldwide.
The Global Parts Distribution Center builds on a legacy of customer support, located at the end of the old runway where company founder Gary Vermeer once delivered parts to customers by plane.
“Vermeer is focused on optimizing this facility so we can most efficiently deliver the right part at the right time to our customers,” said Tony Briggs, Vice President of the Vermeer Lifecycle product group.
“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 fulfill customer and dealer expectations daily,”
The location of the Global Parts Distribution Center 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,” Briggs said. “Ultimately, we bundle the Vermeer-manufactured parts with other parts and ship the orders around the world to take care of our customers.”
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The new Global Parts Distribution Center provides three times more space than the previous building, and includes 23 dock doors, a warehouse management system and improved warehouse technology. The investment will help drive efficiency by centralizing 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,” said Jason Andringa, Vermeer president and CEO.
The Global Parts Distribution Center 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.
