Vermeer Adds Vac-Tron

Continuing what appears to be a consolidation of vacuum excavation equipment, Vermeer Corp. said it is buying Vac-Tron Equipment, LLC, Okahumpka, Fla.

Vermeer, Pella, Ia., said it plans to bring the Florida-based company together with McLaughlin Group, Inc. which was purchased by Vermeer in 2017. For the last 13 years, Vac-Tron products have been sold almost exclusively through the Vermeer dealer network. 

This acquisition and integration of the two companies builds on what Vermeer says is its strategy to provide a suite of vacuum excavation technology, equipment, training and support to the underground utility and soft dig markets.

Founded in 1997, Vac-Tron produces vacuum excavation products sold and serviced across underground utility markets. Vac-Tron’s offices and production facilities in Okahumpka employ more than 100 people.

Follow Diesel Progress on Twitter; Like us on Facebook

McLaughlin, a drill tooling and vacuum excavation company in Greenville, S.C. with more than 100 team members, came 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,” said Jason Andringa, Vermeer president and CEO. “Coming together solidifies the long-term strategy and commitment to support customers and dealers in a unified way.”

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 operate as a unified team, bringing the strengths and best practices together in innovation, design, manufacturing, sales and customer support. The Florida and South Carolina locations will continue production.