Mary Andringa, the chair emerita of Vermeer Corporation, has been inducted into the notable Horizontal Directional Drilling Association (HDDA) Hall of Fame Class of 2024. This honor acknowledges individuals whose work and contributions have made a lasting impact on the industry.

The HDDA is a trade organization dedicated to promoting drilling within the utility and pipeline industry. Its mission includes educating the public and government agencies about HDDs environmental and economic benefits and limitations.

Andringa’s journey began in the late 1980s when she expanded on the vision of the founder of Vermeer, Gary Vermeer, who aimed to install utilities underground without disturbing the surface. This vision led to the development of the first horizontal driller by Vermeer, signifying a shift in the company’s leadership from its first to second generation.

Under the leadership of Andringa, Vermeer introduced the first driller of its kind for testing in 1991. The initial drills required substantial manual labor, but Andringa and her team continued to innovate, enhancing the efficiency and productivity of the line. By the end of the 1990s, HDD made up half of the company’s business.

Andringa led the team in achieving industry milestones, including the development of a rod loader to optimize the handling of drill rods and the creation of a new standard in drill rods with the single-piece forged-steel Vermeer Firestick drill rod.

Recognizing the need to develop a new market, Andringa prioritized education and training for Vermeer dealers and contractors worldwide.

The HDDA, in alliance with the HDD Reunion Organization, honored Andringa and her fellow inductees at a special ceremony during the Underground Infrastructure Conference on March 19 – 20 at the Oklahoma City Convention Center.

Upon receiving the honor, Andringa said, “This is a tremendous honor. I’m humbled to stand alongside these other industry pioneers. I want to acknowledge everyone at Vermeer. Over the last 30 years, it’s our innovative minds who strived for continuous improvement and devised new designs. Without our team’s hard work and dedication, I certainly wouldn’t be receiving this recognition. This honor truly belongs to everyone at Vermeer.”

For more information about Vermeer Corporation and its contributions to the HDD industry, please visit vermeer.com.