With challenges posed to COVID-19 and ongoing trade disputes with the United States and foreign trade powers such as China, there were opportunities for global companies like Vermeer to slow down in 2020.
But according to CEO and President Jason Andringa, the past calendar year continued on previous years of growth in the vast majority of their markets.
“By and large, the Vermeer business has been strong and continues to be strong,” he says. “Obviously a significant part of Vermeer’s is the installation of underground infrastructure and the access to broadband/telecommunications has been one of the stars during this pandemic as people need to work, go to school, interact, and shop remotely–that part of the Vermeer business was incredibly strong before the pandemic, and did not slow down at all during the pandemic and the long-term prospects look incredibly favorable.”
After the turn of the calendar to January, a new U.S. Congress and President will be inaugurated, and one local manufacturer keeps a close eye on national and global politics through involvement with several organizations.
Vermeer CEO and President Jason Andringa serves on the Boards of Directors at both the National Association of Manufacturers and Association of Equipment Manufacturers, and says the Biden administration and a narrowly divided congress will be worth watching, and he believes a lot of what could change for the industry will be unveiled as a new Cabinet is installed and new representatives and senators are sworn into office.