Vermeer Corporation has bought Normag’s electric-powered horizontal directional drilling (HDD) and fluid systems technology, assuming the rights to develop, manufacture and distribute the European-based company’s electric HDD rigs, generator sets and fluid management systems.

Vermeer says the acquisition is a key part of its strategy to meet growing demand for electric-powered solutions.

Normag’s technology uses an integrated electric power system “that optimizes efficiency across the generator set, drill rig and fluid management systems during operations,” says Vermeer. In addition, the systems match standard international shipping container dimensions, reducing the machine footprint, jobsite set-up time, complexity and cost, according to the company.

“With this technology already proven in operations across Europe, our Vermeer 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,” says Jason Andringa, Vermeer president and CEO.

Under development for more than eight years, these systems were purpose-built by Netherlands-based Normag to help companies comply with European transportation and worksite regulations and meet environmental goals. Drill rig and fluid packages have been field tested with customers across Europe for the past several years.

Because they are European-market ready and tested, Vermeer says it will first introduce the electric drills and systems to the European large-diameter underground infrastructure market. The company anticipates a North American and Australian introduction within the next 24 to 36 months.

Vermeer’s EMEA headquarters in Goes, Netherlands, will head up all future product development, engineering, marketing and production, expected by late 2021 for the European market. First off the assembly like will likely be a 120-metric-ton HDD rig, a 2,500-liter reclaimer and high-pressure pump. Vermeer also plans to establish a range of 750-to-3,000-liters-per-minute reclaimers.

These products will be sold under the Vermeer brand in partnership with Vermeer dealers.