Recently, we spoke with Mike Pettigrew, Marketing Manager of VMAC on the company’s focus for 2025, challenges and opportunities for growth and innovation.
“To deliver more value to our VMAC customers and dealers this year, we’re focused on continuous improvement of overall product quality, new product innovation, and enhanced dealer education and communication.,” says Mike Pettigrew, VMAC Marketing Manager.
How has VMAC performed in 2025 so far? What have been some of the year’s highlights and challenges?
Pettigrew: 2025 is shaping up to be a year focused on resiliency, improved manufacturing capacity, and product development for VMAC. We’ve seen growth across key product lines, particularly our UNDERHOOD® air compressors and G30+GEN air compressor/generator systems. This momentum reflects our commitment to innovation, tight-knit dealer relationships, and a customer-first approach. We've expanded our North American dealer support tools, and we continue to invest in dealer education through high-quality technical content, webinars, and product training.
Like many manufacturers, we’ve encountered supply chain pressures, tariff challenges, and labor market fluctuations, but our ability to manufacture in-house has helped us stay nimble. VMAC’s vertically integrated processes give us a major advantage, allowing us to pivot quickly, keep lead times in check, and maintain our standards for reliability and quality.
What’s your take on the current state of the construction and service truck upfitting markets, and what are you hearing from VMAC’s dealers and customers?
Pettigrew: The global equipment market is experiencing a cool-down following several years of unprecedented growth. In North America, equipment sales have declined slightly while construction activity has remained surprisingly strong. Most analysts see it as a rebalancing and an expected return to more normal volumes after years of pandemic-fueled highs. Global equipment sales are forecast to hit their lowest point this year before gradually improving.
What we’re hearing from our dealers is that lead times have reduced considerably with finished service trucks in stock and vehicle pools full. This is great news for fleet customers looking to maximize their ROI during their vehicle replacement cycle. To further improve ROI, fleet customers want air compressor systems that reduce vehicle weight, free up space, and deliver consistent performance. They’re also asking smarter questions about lifecycle costs, fuel savings, and warranties. VMAC is well-positioned to meet those expectations, especially with our Direct-Transmission Mounted (DTM) and UNDERHOOD air compressor systems that offer lightweight, powerful solutions with no need for separate engines.
Is VMAC still on track with its growth plans, and what’s the vision going forward?
Pettigrew: We’re focused on sustainable and balanced growth. In 2025, we expanded manufacturing capacity at our North American facility and made major investments in automation and process improvements. This allows us to scale efficiently without compromising the quality our customers count on.
Our roadmap includes continued investment in our core product lines, especially as fleet managers and upfitters look to consolidate systems. The success of our multi-power systems like the 6-in-1 Multifunction Power System shows there’s demand for smart, integrated solutions that reduce truck engine hours and increase productivity. By implementing a new product realization process we will expedite new product development in years to come.
VMAC places a strong emphasis on North American manufacturing. Why is that important in today’s environment?
Pettigrew: We design, engineer, and build VMAC systems in-house because it gives us control over quality, innovation, timelines, and customer experience. In a world of supply uncertainty, being vertically integrated means we don’t have to rely on offshore parts or third-party assembly. That’s a key differentiator, especially in our market today.
We’re also proud to keep high-skilled jobs in our community while continuing to grow and invest in global partnerships. For VMAC, the focus is now on smart inventory management, evolving product strategies, and remaining responsive to customers in an increasingly cautious, but still active market.
Are there any new investments or upgrades happening at VMAC’s production facility?
Pettigrew: Absolutely. We’ve made significant upgrades in advanced machining, product testing, and quality assurance. We're integrating more smart technology into our systems and continuing to streamline our R&D and prototyping capabilities. This includes new product development work in mobile compressed air products, introducing new accessories, and developing battery electric powered air compressors like the e30 launching this year, as we anticipate changes in vehicle platforms and emissions regulations.
We’re also deepening our collaboration with OEM upfitters, fleet groups, and our dealer network, which means more tools and faster support. Information from the field acts as a catalyst for new product developments with new innovations that match customer requirements.
How is VMAC addressing changing customer expectations around fuel efficiency and sustainability?
Pettigrew: Sustainability is embedded in how our products perform. Our systems are designed to reduce fuel consumption, cut idling times, and extend vehicle lifespans. For example, UNDERHOOD and DTM systems eliminate the need for a secondary engine, which saves thousands of dollars in fuel and maintenance costs over time.
We’re also seeing more interest in green fleets, especially from municipalities and commercial transportation industries under new compliance requirements. VMAC’s HVEV division is focused on designing high voltage electric air compressor systems for electric, hybrid and fuel cell vehicles, including school buses, transit buses, and class 8 tractor-trailers.
VMAC is also exploring the integration of VMAC compressors with partners like Miller Technology on their electric vehicle (EV) Land Cruiser models, which have been operating successfully in mining operations since 2018.
What can VMAC’s customers and dealers expect in the second half of 2025?
Pettigrew: We’re focused on dealer support and customer success. That includes new training resources, expanded video content, faster access to technical documentation, and introducing new products and accessories to the market. Expect to see more product updates, broader system compatibility, and improved configurability across our compressed air and multi-power solutions. We’re also continuing to invest in marketing support and digital tools to help our dealers sell more effectively.
When we say that VMAC treats customers, coworkers, dealers, and suppliers with respect, it’s more than a slogan, it’s part of our brand value. This kind of commitment turns customers into advocates, reinforces long-term trust and is why so many refer to VMAC as the industry’s gold standard for mobile air systems.
At the end of the day, VMAC is committed to delivering the most innovative, reliable air systems in the industry and doing it with integrity, grit, and a relentless focus on our customers’ success.
Photos provided by VMAC