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Vermeer continues 60-year innovative traditionBy Jennifer Bremer For 60 years, Vermeer Manufacturing has been innovative in providing equipment to help revolutionize the agriculture and construction industry. Gary Vermeer, the founder of Vermeer Manufacturing, invented the large round baler, wagon hoist, tree spade and stump cutter. Today, the Vermeer family continues to develop innovative agriculture and industrial products around the world. "Vermeer has always been driven by change and a relentless search for a better way to do things," said Bob Vermeer, chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer. "It is a process of continuous improvement--in every department, with every employee. To compete in the global marketplace, change is eminent. This is something my dad realized over 60 years ago and has been the foundation of our growth and success since he began offering the very first products." Innovation led Vermeer to developing new products to better serve the agriculture industry. To assist producers with baling cornstalks for bedding, feed or use in celulosic ethanol production, Vermeer developed new Vermeer 605 Super M Cornstalk Special, which is built for custom operators and high-volume producers. It's designed to increase tonnage per day by reducing the amount of fuel, time, steps and guesswork involved in producing round cornstalk bales. The patented Cornstalk Special, which was the brainchild of Redwood Falls, Minn., farmer/innovator/custom operator Eric Woodford, features a positive-powered feed system that helps direct coarse and high-volume stalk material to improve flow and consistency as material enters the bale chamber. "This baler changes everything, especially when it comes to cornstalk baling," said Vermeer Forage Solutions products director Joe Michaels. "After numerous tests using the new 'powered windguard' concept, we discovered it significantly increases the capacity of cornstalk baling. It's a great option for the 605 Super M, because this baler is a heavy-built, high-production unit designed to handle this type of coarse material," added Michaels. Besides developing new agricultural and industrial products, Vermeer also serves to promote the quality of life for Vermeer employees and their communities through the gracious and unselfish act of giving. The Vermeer Charitable Foundation was formed in 1958 to inspire Vermeer employees to use their skills and resources in providing assistance to people who are less fortunate or facing overwhelming burdens or challenges. Vermeer routinely provides volunteers and, in many cases, paid personnel and equipment to respond to various natural disaster situations such as tornadoes, ice storms and hurricanes. In the 50 years since the Foundation has existed, hundreds of Vermeer employees have contributed countless hours of their time and financial resources to help those in need. Vermeer sent teams of volunteer employees and equipment to assist in the cleanup efforts after Greensburg, Kan., was destroyed by a tornado in 2007. After Hurricane Katrina, three teams of volunteers traveled to stricken areas up and down the Gulf Coast, along with Vermeer equipment, to lend assistance. "Our 'Four P' philosophy of people, principles, products and profit is our bedrock," said Vermeer. "We find that the good nature and human spirit of caring comes out in our people. Over the years, it is extremely gratifying to know that we have been able to better the lives of our employees and be good stewards of our environment with the equipment we manufacture." Jennifer Bremer can be reached by phone at 515-833-2120 or by e-mail at jbremermaj@hotmail.com. 9/29/08 Date: 9/23/08
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