John Deere confirms closure of Vapormatic Exeter parts arm
© Tim Scrivener One of the UK’s most recognisable agricultural parts suppliers, Vapormatic, is set to close its Exeter base after 75 years of trading – dealing a major blow to the farming industry and the local community.
Parent company John Deere confirmed the closure this week. The proposal was announced in May and was followed by a formal consultation with staff.
About 95 jobs will be lost at the business, at Sowton Industrial Estate in Exeter.
See also: John Deere mulls Vapormatic closure – 95 jobs at risk
The move forms part of a global restructuring of John Deere’s aftermarket operations, as it shifts to a tiered parts strategy – including OEM, Reman and Alternatives by John Deere – delivered exclusively through its dealer network.
“After full consideration, the decision has been taken to close the Vapormatic UK business unit in Exeter,” said Chris Wiltshire, tactical marketing manager at John Deere. “This is part of our commitment to evolving our global parts strategy and delivering customer support throughout the machinery lifecycle.”
Customers in the UK and EU will still be able to order parts from Vapormatic until 29 August. From 1 September, parts inventory will be transferred to Kramp, one of Europe’s largest agricultural parts wholesalers, which supplies more than 500,000 products to dealers in more than 25 countries.
A strategic partner of John Deere, Kramp will continue to offer the full Vapormatic product range and provide aftermarket support through its established dealer network and online ordering platforms.
The decision has come as a shock to Vapormatic employees, with some describing the workplace as “like a family.”
“Some workers were in tears when they were told,” one employee told Farmers Weekly. “This isn’t just a job – it’s a community. A lot of families will be affected.”
End of an era
Founded in 1949 in Budleigh Salterton, Devon, Vapormatic started as a maker of engine conversion kits for tractors. Over time, it grew into a global supplier of more than 30,000 aftermarket parts, distributing to more than 90 countries.
John Deere acquired the company in 2001 and has since operated it as a wholly owned subsidiary.
Industry observers have voiced concern about the potential disruption to the UK’s parts supply chain – particularly for older or out-of-warranty machinery – as well as the loss of skilled jobs and technical knowledge.
Vapormatic has also played a role in agricultural training, supporting college partnerships and development projects.
Its closure marks not only the end of a historic name in British agriculture, but also raises questions about the future resilience of the UK’s independent aftermarket parts sector.