Vermeer Corporation Focuses on Talent and Technology at ISU Research Park

Vermeer Corporation, manufacturer of iconic yellow iron seen on industrial jobsites and farm fields worldwide, has made significant investments in talent development and research at the Iowa State University (ISU) Research Park. By establishing a state-of-the-art facility in Ames, Vermeer is not only fueling its own future but also contributing to the broader innovation ecosystem centered around Iowa State University.

 Investing in the Future

The decision to create a physical presence in the ISU Research Park was rooted in the company’s goal of building strong connections with the university and its students. Vermeer Vice President of Infrastructure Solutions and Engineering Centers of Excellence, Mike Byram, explains that the company’s initial motivation was to support its growing internship program and to further tap into Iowa State’s rich talent pool.

“The original interest was about connecting with students and having a physical location here in Ames to allow them to work part-time during the school year,” Byram says. “It really started to enhance our brand visibility on campus and opened up opportunities to work with student clubs and organizations.”

The company’s internship program has evolved, and Vermeer has since expanded its operations in the ISU Research Park. While internships remain a core focus, their Ames facility now plays host to two full-time teams: Vermeer Labs, which focuses on long-term technology development, and the company’s industrial design team, which has established its headquarters in Ames.

“Vermeer Labs is made up of different engineering disciplines, including software, hardware, and mechanical engineering, sensor development, radar, and more. Their work is focused on technology development for our products three to eight years out,” Byram says. “We also decided to make Ames our base for industrial design after a successful collaboration with ISU’s College of Design.”

 Year-Round Internship Program

One of the primary benefits of Vermeer establishing a presence in Ames has been the ability to offer year-round opportunities for Iowa State students. In the past, the interns primarily worked at its headquarters in Pella during the summer months, but the Ames facility has enabled the company to keep students engaged throughout the school year.

“We’ve always had a strong summer internship program, with most students working in Pella or one of our other locations. Now, we can keep students involved during the school year, providing them with part-time work opportunities that help them stay connected to Vermeer,” Byram says.

Vermeer’s internship program is an important part of its talent pipeline, and Iowa State University plays a key role in the company’s recruiting efforts. About half of the interns come from ISU, and many of them go on to join the company full-time after graduation.

“Having access to the students at Iowa State is a big deal for us,” Byram says. “We’ve grown a lot over the last decade, and having a consistent flow of young talent is crucial to our future.”

Leveraging ISU’s Resources for Innovation

In addition to benefiting from the talented students at ISU, Vermeer has also forged important partnerships with the university’s faculty and research teams. The company is actively involved in various clubs and associations at the university and frequently collaborates on research projects with ISU professors and their students.

“Through Vermeer Labs, we’ve worked on several projects with professors, and we want to continue building on those relationships. For example, we’ve been working with Dr. Matt Darr [head of the Digital Ag Innovation Lab at Iowa State] on some technology projects, and we’re excited about the possibilities that collaboration brings,” Byram says.

Vermeer’s facility at the ISU Research Park also serves as a valuable R&D center where the company can develop new technologies and explore emerging trends in industrial design. This central location allows Vermeer to host events, hackathons, and student celebrations, providing a versatile space for innovation.

Building a Community

One of the advantages of being part of the ISU Research Park is the ability to engage with a diverse ecosystem of companies. From startups to publicly traded giants, the Research Park offers a dynamic environment for networking, collaboration, and shared growth.

“We’re not a startup, but we’re also not a publicly traded company. We fall somewhere in the middle,” Byram notes. “Being in this environment lets us interact with companies of all sizes, and that’s really beneficial. We can see what the bigger companies are working on and draw inspiration from the energy of the startups.”

At its core, the investment in Vermeer Ames is about building for the future. From engineering advancements to developing the next generation of talent, Vermeer is committed to leveraging the resources available in the ISU Research Park to drive innovation.

A Bright Future Ahead

With more than 70 interns coming through Vermeer each year, and many more projects on the horizon, the company is firmly embedded in the ISU community. For Vermeer, the ISU Research Park has been a catalyst for growth, helping the company attract top-tier talent and develop cutting-edge technologies that will shape the future of industrial machinery.

“As an Iowa-based company, it’s exciting to be able to work so closely with an exceptional engineering school like Iowa State,” Byram says. “We’re proud to help keep Iowa talent in Iowa, and we’re excited to see what the future holds.”

For more information about Vermeer and how they deliver a real impact on the way important work gets done, visit vermeer.com.