Students had the opportunity to learn about Vermeer and their involvement in the Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Art fields during their annual manufacturing day Thursday.

CEO of Vermeer Jason Andringa tells KNIA/KRLS News hundreds middle and high school kids participated in hands-on technology demonstrations.

“We really look forward to this day, and once again, we are hosting more than 700 6th and 9th graders to talk about what manufacturing all entails and the opportunities in manufacturing,” Andringa says.

Students from Pella, Knoxville, Pella Christian, Twin Cedars, North Mahaska, and Lynnville-Sully were all in attendance. Vermeer employees guided students through various hands-on activities and demonstrations, and information about how Vermeer uses the STEM fields and art in their everyday work.

Noah Adams and Abby Dart from Pella Christian Grade School were able to tour some of the stations, and say they were caught off guard by some of the technology and subjects used at Vermeer.

“What surprised me was that they have art, people who do art, and people who create websites for them, and also just their communication that they have with writing and speeches, that surprised me,” Dart says.