VERMEER ESG 
SUMMARY
October 2021

WE’RE IN A CONSTANT 
PURSUIT TO FIND A 
BETTER WAY TO DO 
IMPORTANT WORK.
For more than 70 years, finding a better way has been a refrain that has inspired the way Vermeer  
does business. Our 4P philosophy (principles, people, product, profit) has set the foundation for 
how we treat others and the world around us. For the last 25 years, we’ve also been guided by a 
spirit of continuous improvement that has extended through every part of our operations.
Combining our 4P foundation with our continuous improvement spirit, we strive to make purposeful 
improvements in environmental, social and governance (ESG) impacts as we build, distribute and support 
Vermeer equipment doing important work around the world. Taking care of others and the world around us is at 
the core of our 4P philosophy and has built the culture and brand we are today. As we work with our customers 
who are equipped with Vermeer machines to help feed and fuel our communities, manage natural resources 
and connect people to life’s necessities, we are committed to finding a better way to care for our 
environment, our people and our business around the world.
Jason Andringa
President and CEO

OUR ESG STORY
STARTS WITH HOW 
WE CARE FOR OUR
Environment
People
Business

Vermeer designs and manufactures yellow iron that helps our customers do 
essential work we all depend on, while helping to manage the impact on our 
precious natural resources and the environment we all need and enjoy for a life 
well lived. The way we design, build and distribute our equipment is guided by a 
collective mindset of continuous improvement while also reducing wasted time 
and materials. From our suppliers and our factories to our dealers and our 
customers, we work together, and improve together, in three important ways:
Improving market methods |  Improving equipment design |  Improving manufacturing process 
A BETTER WAY                  
TO CARE FOR OUR 
ENVIRONMENT.

IMPROVING MARKET METHODS
A better way to make hay 
In 1971, Vermeer introduced the world to the large, round hay baler to harvest and forage products on the farm in a much 
more efficient and labor-saving way. What was once the job of many could now be done by one person. Since then, 
Vermeer has led the way in hay and forage harvesting and processing innovations for more than five decades. And today, 
we operate with the aspiration to help eliminate at least one machine pass in the field every five years with new equipment 
innovation – ultimately reducing time worked and fuel used.
A better way to manage our forests and organic waste 
In the 1950s, Gary Vermeer and his team invented the first commercial stump cutter, paving the way for an entire lineup of 
equipment focused on sound tree care and organic waste processing. From stump cutters and brush chippers to large 
grinders, trommel screens and compost turners, our environmental product line is continuously helping to improve our 
natural environment. This includes beautifying green spaces, managing forestry undergrowth to help prevent wildfires, 
processing and composting wood waste so it can be converted to biomass, recycled and reused, and manage wooded 
areas around electrical lines to prevent damage or disruption.
Our equipment is designed to do critical work in the markets we serve with the least amount of environmental disruption or disturbance. We have a long history of 
finding a better way to innovate equipment to feed and fuel the world, manage our natural resources and install infrastructure that keeps people connected to the 
necessities of life. With every product we commercialize, we work to improve the way work gets done to minimize the impact on the natural or human environment 
over previous Vermeer models or other equipment currently available in the market. Key examples include:

A better way to install utilities 
Utility installation is critical to community development. Whether it’s connecting high-speed fiber lines, water and sewer pipes, or 
moving electric utilities underground to help prevent damage from natural disasters, Vermeer underground utility installation
equipment is used. Today, our HDDs are used to help install these utilities in minimally invasive ways, and they are constantly 
being improved to help reduce noise and environmental emissions while doing their work. Our investments in a complete lineup 
of vacuum excavators are used to expose underground utilities to help improve the precision of underground utility work. And 
finally, our company has a commitment to invest in technology that helps utility installation contractors better manage and 
reduce water use on jobsites.
A better way to extract metals and minerals 
Our world depends on the mining industry to extract precious metals and minerals to be used in all kinds of technology and 
devices, including Lithium batteries that are helping drive lower emissions. For 20 years, Vermeer has been educating the 
mining industry on the value of continuous surface mining using the company’s family of Terrain Leveler® surface excavation 
machines (SEMs) that can help precisely mine the desired ore while reducing dust, noise and environmental                      
disturbance caused by traditional mining methods, such as drilling and blasting.
A better way to build our solar and renewable energy infrastructure 
Wind and solar farms are growing in importance around the world as the demands for more renewable energy sources arise. 
Vermeer is working with energy companies worldwide to find better ways to help install these renewable solutions quickly and 
efficiently with minimal disruption. This includes using our wood recycling and processing equipment to maximize recycling 
during site preparation; using our innovative pile drivers to provide a more efficient way to install solar panels; and using our 
plows, trenchers and horizontal directional drills (HDDs) to help reduce the amount of equipment needed to plug the wind 
turbines and solar panels into the grid.
IMPROVING MARKET METHODS

IMPROVING
EQUIPMENT DESIGN
• Within the markets we serve, we were among the first equipment manufacturers to commit to and 
comply with engine emission standards, by including Tier 4 and stage V engines across our product 
lines. These advanced engines minimize greenhouse gas emissions (including particulate matter and 
NOx) to optimize air quality while maximizing fuel efficiency and productivity. We will continue to 
proactively pursue compliance with evolving standards where they are in place or being demanded, 
and work with our partners as they explore and advance innovations around alternative fuels and 
power options. 
• We are rapidly pursuing electric-powered equipment that can help maximize operational performance 
while lowering environmental impact. For more than a decade we have introduced stationary electric 
equipment in our large environmental product lines, including grinders and trommel screens. We are 
now among the first companies to introduce electric-powered equipment to the HDD market and 
other construction industries, giving our customers more options for lowering emissions and noise 
while maintaining a high level of performance and cost efficiency. 
As Vermeer continues to design innovative equipment, we strive to reduce fuel use, labor 
dependency, emissions or noise over previous or existing models. Here are examples of how 
we are doing that today:

IMPROVING
MANUFACTURING PROCESS
• Continuously reducing the amount of energy used as well as the manufacturing-related carbon 
emissions produced for each product manufactured throughout our global manufacturing operations.  
A solar field on our Pella campus provides energy for our facilities, while also powering others in the 
community. 
• We will continue to recycle and reuse any manufacturing material possible. Today, we are able to
recycle 93% of our waste materials. If we can reuse it, recycle it or reduce it, we do — from paper to 
wood to steel to solvent. We strive to continuously find beneficial outlets for our waste materials and 
find better ways other than disposal. For example: We use our grinders to recycle wood pallets into 
usable mulch, and our Eco Center allows us to efficiently manage and recycle our waste chemicals, 
oil and other materials. These activities make us one of the largest recycling manufacturers by 
volume in the state of Iowa.
As Vermeer grows to meet our customers’ demands, we are focused on reducing our impact 
with each piece of equipment produced. This includes:

Supporting diversity  |   A nurturing work environment  |  Training and career opportunities  |  Community involvement
We value our people above all else. Around the world, we are committed to 
creating a culture that values diversity, fairness and engagement; a nurturing work 
environment; training and career opportunities; and community involvement. Our 
goal is to create meaningful careers and equip our people to live whole lives. 
A BETTER WAY                  
TO CARE FOR OUR 
PEOPLE.

We employ more than 3,600 team members across eight locations around the world. The Golden Rule is foundational to our 4P 
philosophy in that we believe all people matter — regardless of age, gender, race or role. We believe when a team member 
comes to work or logs in, they can be themselves — and the unique skills, ideas and thoughts they bring to our organization 
can be respectfully shared and appreciated by those around them. As a company, we measure how well our team members 
feel they can be themselves at work and continually improve that measure every year.
We are committed to creating an environment that equips our team to work well and go home from work in the same condition, 
if not better, than how they arrived. That commitment includes:
• A culture of safety — Across our business, safety is top of mind. Safety training and accountability are foundational to our 
day-to-day work. Our goal is 100% injury-free days. And it shows. Vermeer injury rate and DART are both better than the 
national averages as reported by OSHA.
• Better workspaces — Where our team members' work matters, too. Whether in the office or production environment, we 
work to help improve our team members’ workspaces. Major investments in our facilities include natural light in the 
manufacturing space, spacious break areas and patent-pending conditioned air. Our goal now is to invest in bringing more 
natural light and conditioned air into all production facilities on the Pella campus. An all-new facility in Greenville, South 
Carolina, carries some of that same philosophy.
• Workplace stability — Stability in work supports stability in life. The Vermeer onsite early learning center, medical clinic and 
pharmacy in Pella, as well as a team of global health and wellbeing coaches, and chaplains help provide the services our 
team members and their families need in the moments that matter most. Our commitment is that every team member has 
the opportunity to participate in our annual wellness programs.
SUPPORTING A DIVERSE TEAM
A NURTURING WORK ENVIRONMENT

TRAINING AND CAREER
OPPORTUNITIES
• Intentional development — We’re making sure every team member, no matter their role or work 
location, has an annual development plan by 2023.
• Robust training —Through various training and onboarding programs, we invest in skills, 
leadership and personal development. Last year, more than 32,000 hours were invested in 
trainings.
• Opportunities inside — With hundreds of job openings, nearly 40% of open positions are filled 
with internal talent. On top of that, we have a commitment to outpace national average turnover 
rates. Today, our turnover averages 20% lower than the national average for manufacturing 
companies.
• Skilling up others — Vermeer is committed to partnering with dealers and customers across our 
industries to help attract and train the skilled talent needed to get critical work done. Through 
certified and specialized training programs, delivered through Vermeer Corporate and dealers, we 
have trained thousands of individuals working around the world who are now experiencing 
rewarding careers in industries like HDD, tree care and more.
Our commitment is that every team member has the opportunity from day one to feel 
supported and on a path for career development. We live out this commitment through:

COMMUNITY
INVOLVEMENT
We give back so others can move forward. We are committed to supporting our team, 
dealers and customers; the communities where they live; and the causes that matter to 
them. This includes:
• Giving back — Paid volunteer time off encourages team members to give back to the 
communities and causes they care about. Last year, 2,389 hours were paid out for volunteer 
time. The Vermeer Charitable Foundation, funded via a percentage of company profits, is 
dedicated to providing contributions to the communities and causes that matter to our team 
members and organization. 
• Reaching out — We are committed to advancing the industries we are a part of. Our outreach 
work includes holding key leadership positions and driving initiatives with partners, including the 
National Association of Manufacturing, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, Distribution 
Contractors Association, American Welding Society and more.

A BETTER WAY                                
TO CARE FOR OUR BUSINESS.
• Leadership diversity and accountability — Vermeer is a family-held organization committed to a fair and forward-
looking leadership team. The Vermeer family is committed to a composition on the board of directors of a majority of 
independent directors with a wide array of experience and leadership who are experts in the associated fields as well 
as Vermeer family members, ensuring a balanced governance system. Furthermore, family members employed at 
Vermeer or serving on the Vermeer Board of Directors must meet a number of qualifications to be considered for 
employment and leadership positions. The Vermeer family is committed to utilizing best practices in generational 
succession planning and are active in sharing and learning with other family-owned organizations.
• Independent Audit Committee — An independent, audit committee reports to the board to objectively oversee risk 
management through review of external auditors, internal auditors, enterprise risk management, cyber security, 
financial health, compliance and internal controls.
• Corporate governance — Vermeer is committed to high standards for team members, management and business 
processes. Our internal policies, commitment to regulatory compliance, compliance with GDPR/privacy laws, 100% 
team member participation in signing our annual Code of Conduct review and an available ethics hotline all contribute 
to doing business the Vermeer way.
As a leading manufacturer, employer and family-held company, we believe the way we do 
business matters. To uphold this, we operate by governance principles that include:

Vermeer, the Vermeer logo  and the Terrain Leveler are trademarks of Vermeer Manufacturing Company in the U.S. and/or other countries. Vermeer Corporation reserves the right to make changes in engineering, design and specifications; add improvements; or discontinue 
manufacturing at any time without notice or obligation. Equipment shown is for illustrative purposes only and may display optional accessories or components specific to their global region. Please contact your local Vermeer dealer for more information on machine specifications. 
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