In the late 1980s, the Vermeer team embarked on a journey that would revolutionize the underground construction industry.
The introduction of horizontal directional drilling (HDD) technology not only transformed Vermeer but also reshaped how utilities are installed worldwide.
The idea of Vermeer horizontal directional drill was created in 1989. Company Founder Gary Vermeer had long envisioned a tool that could install infrastructure underground without open cuts. Gary’s daughter and Vermeer Chair Emerita, Mary Andringa, recalled those early days.
“My dad thought it sounded very interesting. In fact, he said, ‘I’ve always thought there should be some kind of a tool that’s like the animal mole that can literally bring infrastructure in the ground without having to open cut it’,” Andringa said.
This vision, coupled with growing demand from dealers for directional drilling equipment, spurred Vermeer into action.
Vermeer’s first HDD units
In February 1991, Vermeer introduced its first HDD units, initially called “EasyBore.” Jim Rankin, an early engineer on the project, remembered the challenges of those first machines.
“It was a struggle early on. Just the different things that we fought through,” Rankin said.
The early machines required significant manual labour. Operators had to carry rods out manually, push racks through ditches for setup and pound stakes with sledgehammers. Despite these challenges, the technology’s potential became obvious. Dealers and contractors who tested the units provided enthusiastic feedback, leading to many orders.
Rapid growth
Vermeer quickly recognized the need for continuous improvement. In 1993, the team introduced the first self-contained drill, a move that catapulted sales.
“Sales soared, increasing by 400 per cent in its second year of production and another 100 per cent the year after,” Andringa said.
In the 1990s, Vermeer made several key innovations to the HDD, including the Firestick drill rod. Developed around 1994, the one-piece forged steel rod significantly improved bore completion rates.
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“When you think of everything that’s happened on a drill, the number one thing is the rod,” Rankin said, emphasizing the importance of the development.
As well, the rod loader was introduced. Inspired by everyday items like toothpick dispensers, this innovation significantly reduced the required manual labour.
Partnering with Digital Control Incorporated (DCI), Vermeer integrated pitch and roll information into their systems.
Ed Savage, a Vermeer HDD product specialist at the time, recalled, “Once we got DCI with pitch and roll, it was just a game-changer. We could speed up. We were so much more efficient.”
HDD market development
Recognizing HDD was not just a new product but a new industry, Vermeer invested heavily in training and education.
“We decided to take the training on the road. And I think that made a huge difference. We were training in local conditions, and we trained a lot more people that way,” Andringa said.
This commitment to education helped grow the market and establish Vermeer as a leader in the HDD industry.
Challenges underground
The late 1990s saw explosive growth in the HDD market. However, the 2000 dot-com bust brought new challenges.
“Our directional drill sales dropped by 90 per cent. We actually closed Plant 7 for a little while, which we had really designated as the HDD plant,” Andringa recalled.
Yet, this setback spurred further innovation. Vermeer implemented lean manufacturing processes and focused on developing more efficient, user-friendly machines. This approach not only helped weather the downturn but positioned Vermeer for future success.
HDD innovation
As HDD technology evolved, its environmental benefits became increasingly apparent. Andringa shared a story that exemplifies this:
“They needed to get an electrical line to a school, and there was a swamp between where the one line was and where they had to connect. And the citizens were adamant that there was no way they could open cut and go through that swamp. … But we did a directional drill. We connected it, and the frogs never knew we were there.”
This ability to install utilities with minimal surface disruption opened new applications for HDD technology, particularly in environmentally sensitive areas and urban settings.
Vermeer’s HDD future
Today, Vermeer continues to innovate in the HDD space. Clint Recker, Product Manager for Vermeer HDD equipment, points to digital technologies and automation as key areas of development.
“We’re really designing equipment that can be as productive as possible and figuring out ways to decrease that learning curve,” he explained.
Vermeer focuses on addressing labour challenges in the industry. This includes developing equipment that is efficient to operate and requires less physical effort, as well as exploring digital solutions for bore planning and productivity tracking.
From its humble beginnings to its current status as an industry leader, Vermeer HDD technology has truly transformed underground construction. Through continuous innovation, a commitment to solving customer challenges and a vision for more efficient utility installation, Vermeer has written — and continues to write — a significant chapter in HDD industry history
