John McBride said he’s dedicated his career to improving the health of cows, which in turn, leads to higher milk production. Since its founding in 2008, VES has been the global leader in innovating Animal-Centered Environments (ACE) to optimize cow health and welfare at many of the world’s most successful dairies. From its headquarters in Chippewa Falls, VES has designed ACEs for customers in 30 countries.

VES Environmental Solutions is a premium manufacturer and sourcing company of ventilation equipment for industrial, agricultural and horticultural industries. Their wide variety of air circulation fans, exhaust fans, ventilation fans, ceiling fans, fiberglass fans make them one of the leaders in the HVAC industry. Their team of design engineers has developed some of the most energy efficient, quiet, low maintenance and innovative ventilation components in the world.

VES, has continued to show the value in excellent ventilation for the farming industry but also with the new construction of the Dr. Michael J. Wolf Research Campus for Animal-Centered Environments. The new $9 million, 114,000 square foot expansion will allow VES to double its staff and add 40-plus employees to the Chippewa Valley. Charlie Walker, President/CEO of Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) noted that “VES and their expansion into Chippewa County’s Opportunity Zone and Lake Wissota Business Park have huge positive implications for the Chippewa Valley. “Not only will it create additional high-paying jobs, but the facility also further positions the company as a global leader in the design and manufacturing of agricultural and industrial environmental systems. The new VES campus will be another magnet in attracting additional high-quality talent to our community.” The groundbreaking ceremony took place in Chippewa Falls, Wisc., on January 14, 2020.

While the company continues to grow, VES C0-Founder John McBride has announced his retirement. During an all-company meeting of VES employees this past week, McBride made his statement. “The effects of COVID-19 this year have caused me to reprioritize my life, placing time with my family at the top of the list,” said McBride. “The timing was right to completely step away from VES, and hand the reins over to the leadership team we have put in place.” During his announcement, McBride gave great thanks to his three co-founders, Jennifer McBride, Peter Fahrngruber and Chad Miles. He also thanked the incredible employees of VES, who have been instrumental in making the company what it is today.

In a related announcement, the ownership shares of VES that were held by the four original founders have been purchased by Turntide Technologies, whose CEO, Ryan Morris, was also in attendance for the all-company meeting.

“This move allows two companies, Turntide, which has a horizontal market focus with the world’s most efficient motor, and VES, which has a vertical market focus in the dairy industry, to strategically complement each other so each can realize their market potential.  While Turntide and VES will continue to operate as independent companies, we will work closely together and leverage our individual strengths to optimize both companies’ performance,” stated Morris.

CCEDC is sad to see McBride go, but trust his decision and wish him and his family only the best!