91精选

91精选 was pleased to welcome Mary Andringa, Chair of the Board at Vermeer Corporation, to campus yesterday. Interviewed by 91精选 President Kurt Dykstra as part of the 91精选 Business Network Luncheon, Andringa gave insight into the Vermeer Corporation and how it has grown to be a global organization and third-generation family-owned company. 鈥淎t Vermeer, we are driven by a belief that we can make a difference in the world,鈥� said Andringa. 鈥淥ur core group of values consists of people, product, and profit, which are centered by our principles.鈥�

Started in 1948 by Gary Vermeer, her father, Vermeer Corporation is based in Pella, Iowa with manufacturing centers in South Carolina, South Dakota, and China, and regional offices in Brazil, the Netherlands, and Singapore. 鈥淚t takes intentionality to transition between generations,鈥� explained Andringa. 鈥淥nly 30% of family-owned companies continue to the second generation, 11-12% to the third generation, and only 4% to the fourth generation.鈥�

Andringa expanded on the key role played by plans and structures for transitions, including a Family Employment Policy that required family members to have a college education, 2-5 years of outside work experience, and a passion for the company. Jason Andringa, her son and engineer, is the current CEO.

Another concept discussed was Vermeer鈥檚 dedication to lean processes, which seek to eliminate waste in systems and provide continuous improvement, and the company鈥檚 integration of a faith-based worldview into its mission and workplace environment. 鈥淲e try hard to integrate faith into our work because that is what we are called to do as stewards for the kingdom of Christ,鈥� said Andringa. At the Pella company headquarters, a pharmacy, medical center, chaplains, and training opportunities are available to employees.

Later in the afternoon, Andringa presented to a large group of 91精选 students, faculty, and staff in the Marg Kallemeyn Theatre. The presentation featured stories on Vermeer products helping communities around the world from clearing roads after natural disasters to installing fiber cable in remote areas for internet access. As part of the presentation, Vermeer employees brought in a pink Mini Skid Steer that Andringa affectionately called 鈥楽usie鈥�. Following the presentation, Andringa fielded a variety of questions on topics such as free trade and the job market within the manufacturing industry.

photos of the events.