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After a tax law change went into effect in 2022, manufacturers across the country found themselves facing new obstacles to investment in research and development. For Vermeer Corporation—a manufacturer of industrial and agricultural equipment based in Pella, Iowa—the change is causing real concern.

The background: Until the beginning of this year, businesses could deduct 100% of their R&D expenses in the same year they incurred the expenses. Starting in 2022, however, a change in the tax law required businesses to spread deductions over a five-year timeframe. That change is making investment more expensive and preventing some companies from putting their resources into critical innovation.

Constant innovation: As a company that makes a variety of diverse products for fields like agriculture, mining, utility construction, forestry and renewable energy, Vermeer is always working at the cutting-edge of new technology, and that requires significant investment in R&D.

• “Vermeer designs and builds specialized equipment—and it has to be innovative,” said Vermeer Corp. Senior Director of International Business Development and Government Affairs Daryl Bouwkamp. “We have to push that leading edge constantly. The history of Vermeer is a history of invention and innovation.”

Vital competition: According to Vermeer, R&D is also vital to the ability of manufacturers in the United States to compete with foreign companies.

• “We’re not the only company that’s innovating around the world,” said Vermeer Vice President of Finance Ryan Agre. “There’s pressure from companies in countries that are producing products like ours.”

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