Vermeer Corporation announced its purchase of Vac-Tron Equipment LLC, as well as its plans to bring the Florida-based company together with McLaughlin Group Inc., which was purchased by Vermeer in 2017. This acquisition and integration of the two companies builds on the Vermeer strategy to provide a comprehensive suite of vacuum excavation technology, equipment, training, and support to the growing underground utility and soft dig markets.

Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Okahumpka, Fla., Vac-Tron has grown to become a respected brand known for innovative, high-quality vacuum excavation products sold and serviced across underground utility markets. McLaughlin, a drill tooling and vacuum excavation company founded in 1921 and located in Greenville, S.C. with more than 100 team members, brought nearly a century of industry knowledge into the Vermeer fold last year.

“This acquisition allows us to leverage the innovation, market expertise, and production capabilities across our McLaughlin, Vac-Tron, and Vermeer brands to meet increasing customer demand while giving our dealers a more efficient, single-point connection to a full product lineup. Coming together solidifies the long-term strategy and commitment to support customers and dealers in a unified way,” says Jason Andringa, Vermeer Corporation president and CEO.

Operating under the combined group, Vermeer MV Solutions, the organization will continue to provide Vermeer-branded vacuum excavation equipment and technology through dedicated Vac-Tron and McLaughlin series product lines, as well as McLaughlin branded utility accessories and auger boring systems.

Vermeer MV Solutions will operate under one combined leadership and sales team led by General Manager Dave Van Wyk. Leadership at both Vac-Tron and McLaughlin will come together and serve as a unified team, bringing the strengths and best practices together in the areas of innovation, design, manufacturing, sales and customer support. The Florida and South Carolina locations will continue production as they work together to meet the growing demand within the soft dig markets.

“We’ve been proud to have the Vermeer name on our equipment for the past 13 years. Now, we are proud to formally be a part of the Vermeer family. We look forward to investing with McLaughlin and Vermeer to deliver the technology and equipment our customers need as we provide the highest quality product for the customer,” said Tim Fischer, Vac-Tron president.

Vermeer Corporation, based in Pella, Iowa, serves utility drilling, surface mining and pipeline drilling markets. The company also works in agriculture, biomass and other equipment areas. To learn more about Vermeer Corporation, visit www.vermeer.com. To dig into the Vermeer story, visit vermeerimpact.com.