Vermeer Corp. Expands to Bondurant, IA: 182 Jobs & $102M Investment

Vermeer Corp., a Pella, Iowa-based manufacturer of industrial and agricultural equipment, announced plans Friday to significantly expand its Iowa operations with a new $102.65 million production facility in Bondurant. The project, facilitated by over $5.13 million in incentives from the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), is expected to create 182 jobs.

Expanding Iowa Footprint

The new 300,000-square-foot facility will be built on 186 acres and include 12,000 square feet of office space, along with parking and shipping/receiving areas. The jobs created will offer an average wage of $35.11 per hour. According to Jason Andringa, president and CEO of Vermeer, while Pella will remain the company’s headquarters, increased demand and ongoing innovation necessitate further investment.

Did You Know? Vermeer has been in operation for 78 years, beginning with a single invention by Gary Vermeer.

A Broader Growth Strategy

This Bondurant project builds on Vermeer’s recent expansion efforts. Three years ago, the company opened a Des Moines facility employing 143 people. Since 2016, Vermeer has also expanded operations in Greenville, South Carolina; Pella, Iowa; Goes, Netherlands; and Queensland, Australia.

The city of Bondurant is contributing over $29.45 million in incentives, including property tax abatements and infrastructure support. City Administrator Marketa Oliver stated the project is a “game-changer” for the community, opening up 500 acres for industrial development and improving the balance between residential, commercial, and industrial tax revenue.

Expert Insight: Vermeer’s continued investment in Iowa, alongside its international expansion, demonstrates a strategic approach to meeting growing global demand while reinforcing its commitment to its home state. This type of phased growth allows companies to manage risk and capitalize on emerging market opportunities.

Impact on the Region

Upon completion, Vermeer will become the third-largest private employer in Bondurant, following Amazon’s distribution and sortation centers. IEDA documents indicate the project will have a significant positive impact on the state’s gross domestic product, stimulating upstream manufacturing jobs through increased supplier demand.

The IEDA board also approved incentives for four other companies on Friday: Arconic US LLC, CCB Packaging, LMI US LLC (Revolution Concrete Mixers), and Sewer Equipment Company of America, marking the first awards under the new Business Incentives for Growth (BIG) program, approved by the Legislature in 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Business Incentives for Growth (BIG) program?

The Business Incentives for Growth, or BIG, program was approved by the Iowa Legislature in 2025 and is the program through which Vermeer received incentives for its Bondurant project.

How many total jobs are expected to be created by the Vermeer project?

The Vermeer project is expected to create 182 new jobs, but the facility will initially employ over 300 people, including existing staff.

Where will the new Vermeer facility be located?

The new facility will be located on the Timmins Certified Site on the southeast side of Bondurant, adjacent to Interstate 80.

As Vermeer continues to expand, it will be interesting to see how this growth impacts both the local Bondurant community and the broader Iowa economy.