Severe weather hit Vermeer Corporation in Pella, Iowa around 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 19th causing significant damage. In addition Vermeer team members who were working at that time, over 400 dealers and customers were onsite for the 2018 Customer Conference.
Seven people inside Vermeer’s manufacturing plant were injured when it was struck by the tornado. They were treated at a local hospital and released.
There is significant structural damage and personal property damage across the Vermeer campus.
An initial assessment follows:
- Vermeer corporate office, Plant 1, Plant 2, Plant 3, Parts Distribution Center, Global Pavilion, Lely and Yellow Iron Academy Learning Center appear to have zero to minor damage.
- Plant 4, Plant 7 and their Advanced Systems/Testing facility will need a structural assessment before they can determine the impact of the damage and the ability to continue operations.
- Plant 5 and Plant 6 both have significant structural damage that they believe, at this time, will limit our ability to continue operations.
- Waste management facility is a complete loss.
Vermeer has asked their team members, dealers, customers and community members to refrain from visiting the campus until further notice.. All operations, both office and production are closed for Friday, July 20.
