Equipment Report

Vermeer opens parts distribution center

Vermeer, Pella, Iowa, has announced the opening of a 312,000-square-foot Global Parts Distribution Center to support the company’s customers and dealers around the world.

According to a news release, Vermeer team members will package and ship parts worldwide from the new facility, which is located at the company’s corporate headquarters.

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

The company says the location of the Global Parts Distribution Center leverages the manufacturing capabilities of the “Vermeer mile,” where most of its products are assembled.

“Almost one-third of the warehouse is filled with parts made by different manufacturing plants on the Vermeer mile,” Briggs says. “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.”

The facility has three times more space than Vermeer’s previous building and includes 23 docks, a warehouse management system and improved warehouse technology. According to Vermeer, this investment will drive efficiency by centralizing parts storage.

“With people at the center 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,” Vermeer CEO and President Jason Andringa says.

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, to focus on aftermarket parts. That facility manufactures horizontal directional drill tooling and utility tractor attachments.

Holcim commits to Volvo’s electric trucks

Volvo Trucks, which has its North American headquarters in Greensboro, North Carolina, has signed a letter of intent to sell 1,000 electric trucks through 2030 to Holcim, a global producer of cement, concrete and aggregates.

Volvo says the deal is the largest commercial order to date for its electric trucks. The first 130 trucks will be delivered this year and next. According to a Volvo news release announcing the purchase, Holcim expects to deploy all or most of the trucks in Europe.

Volvo says the agreement is part of a wider partnership between Holcim and Volvo Group.

“Long-term collaboration and a strong commitment to really make a difference are essential for making big CO2 [carbon dioxide] reductions a reality,” Volvo Group CEO Martin Lundstedt says.

Holcim, which has its global headquarters in Zug, Switzerland, has a growing presence in the North American aggregates sector. In the past two years, it has acquired two aggregates materials companies based in Colorado and another in Virginia.

Astec announces Bejac will represent forestry line

Astec Industries, Chattanooga, Tennessee, has announced that heavy equipment dealer Bejac Corp., Placentia, California, will represent the Peterson line of forestry and environmental recycling equipment in California and Arizona.

“We are excited to take on the California and Arizona territory for Astec and look forward to getting to know all of the customers that they have served and supported over the years,” Bejac President Ron Barlet says. “Bejac is a customer service-focused company, and we will work hard to provide the highest value possible to … Astec customers.”

Founded in 1953, Bejac operated as an underground pipeline contracting business until 1985 when the company pivoted to the heavy and specialty equipment sector. In 2008, Bejac expanded its product offering and now focuses on a diversified customer base that complements Astec’s growth strategy.

“Our priority has always been our customers,” Astec Group Vice President of Sales Brian Gray says. “From the initial equipment inquiry to aftermarket sales and service, Peterson Pacific and now Astec have played an integral part in our customers’ success. In an effort to continue providing world-class support, we are excited to announce our partnership with Bejac in California and Arizona. They have a rich history of providing solutions to niche markets, and we are confident they are the right partner for us.”

Bejac owns 13 locations throughout California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona, including a central warehouse in Visalia, California.