Vermeer to expand its fully-electric HDD offering

23 December 2020


Iowa-based Vermeer Corp has acquired electric-powered horizontal directional drilling (HDD) and fluid systems technology from Normag.

The acquisition means Vermeer can now develop, manufacture and distribute fully-electric HDD rigs, generator sets and fluid management systems currently operating across Europe under the Normag-brand. Vermeer sees the acquisition as key to its meeting the growing demand for electric-powered worksite solutions.

When connected to the grid, Normag electric HDD technology can operate as a fuel-free system. All systems have also been designed to match standard international shipping container dimensions to reduce the machine footprint, jobsite set-up time, complexity and cost.

Vermeer President and CEO Jason Andringa said: “With this technology already proven in operations across Europe, our team can now fast-track an electric HDD offering that helps operators better control their cost of operations and worksite impacts through reduced fuel use, near-zero emissions, limited noise and an overall smaller rig footprint.”

Developed in the Netherlands, Normag HDD technology was designed to help companies comply with European transportation and worksite regulations, and meet their goals to lower their environmental and worksite impacts. Because they are European-market ready and tested, Vermeer will focus first on introducing the products to the European customer base to support large-diameter underground infrastructure projects. As the products become established in Europe, the company will look to introduce them into other markets, including North America and Australia within the next 24-36 months.