October 2025 Vol. 80 No. 10
Business
Infrastructure business roundup: New deals, leadership changes and technology updates
Ditch Witch
Ditch Witch’s parent company, The Toro Company, entered into an agreement to acquire Tornado Infrastructure Equipment Ltd., a premier manufacturer of vacuum excavation trucks and infrastructure equipment solutions.
While subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, this transaction will help build on Ditch Witch’s position as the global leader in underground construction. In 2022, Ditch Witch collaborated with Tornado Infrastructure Equipment to co-develop an exclusive line of Ditch Witch-branded hydrovac trucks, which are backed by the worldwide Ditch Witch dealership network through localized sales, service and support.
Based in Calgary, Alberta, Tornado Infrastructure Equipment has long been recognized for its innovation in delivering powerful, precise and high capacity hydrovac solutions. Designed for safe excavation around utility lines and other sensitive infrastructure, Tornado’s technology uses high-pressure water or air, alongside robust vacuum systems, providing contractors with solutions that reduce risk while maximizing efficiency on urban and complex projects.
“Tornado is well-known in the industry for its innovation and focus on addressing the needs of customers in the infrastructure sector,” said Kevin Smith, Ditch Witch president. “This acquisition helps broaden our product offerings to support customers working on projects in energy, power transmission and water infrastructure. We have worked with the Tornado team since 2022 and look forward to continued collaboration to strengthen our role in the construction industry.”
Since the initial manufacturing agreement, the relationship has been centered on introducing the Warlock Series, including the W12 and W8. These models have quickly become staples on job sites for their increased digging power, improved payload capacity and enhanced ability to tackle larger and more demanding projects. Contractors consistently point to the performance of these machines as a turning point in expanding the productivity of their underground fleets.
VisuSewer
VisuSewer completed the acquisition of MOR Construction Services, a full-service provider of utility and commercial wastewater infrastructure services across Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey. The acquisition of MOR Construction, based in Glen Mills, PA, establishes VisuSewer’s presence in three new states and continues the company’s track record of partnering with leading water infrastructure services companies.
“For over 20 years, MOR Construction has demonstrated an impressive track record of growth and servicing its customer base at the highest level,” said Keith Alexander, CEO of VisuSewer. “Their passion for always putting the customer first has allowed them to establish themselves as one of the leading players in the Mid-Atlantic region.”
“We believe this collaboration will bring real value to both our customers and our team,” said Virginia Moore, owner of MOR Construction. “It’s a great match for our company, and we’re looking forward to expanding our impact in the market.”
Headquartered in Pewaukee, WI, VisuSewer is an industry-leading provider of critical wastewater infrastructure services, specializing in trenchless pipeline rehabilitation, maintenance and repair, video inspection, pipe jet cleaning, sealing, and water blasting. Offering a diversified and essential solution suite for its municipal and commercial customers, VisuSewer is a critical partner in servicing aging wastewater infrastructure.
Felling Trailers
Felling Trailers Inc. is hosting its 13th annual online auction of an FT-3 drop deck utility trailer to support a nonprofit organization.
The 2025 beneficiary is Ivy’s Legacy Foundation, a Sauk Centre, MN-based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families who have fallen on hard times. Felling Trailers’ goal is to raise awareness about the valuable work that Ivy’s Legacy Foundation does for the families and community members it serves throughout Central Minnesota and beyond.
The nine-day online auction ran Oct. 24 through Nov, 1, and featured a specially manufactured FT-3 drop deck utility trailer painted in custom "Ivy Green" with black pinstriping and bearing the Ivy's Legacy Foundation emblem. The complete winning bid will go directly to the foundation, which has quietly raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for families throughout Minnesota over the past decade.
A collection of suppliers have joined Felling Trailers in sponsoring the 2025 trailer construction: Trans-Texas, PPG, Dexter, Sealco, Peterson, Demco, and Pacific Rim. Their contributions cover everything from lighting systems to tires to specialized decking.
ADS
Advanced Drainage Systems Inc. (ADS), a leading provider of innovative water management solutions in the stormwater and onsite wastewater industries, entered into a definitive stock purchase agreement to acquire the water management business of Norma Group SE, known as National Diversified Sales (NDS). It’s an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $1.0 billion, or approximately $875 million when adjusted for the present value of the expected tax benefits.
This combination brings together complementary water management solutions to expand ADS’ offering in new segments. By adding NDS’ expertise in residential water management solutions, access boxes and irrigation to its product portfolio, ADS further enhances its capabilities as a comprehensive provider of full-scale water management solutions.
Importantly, the transaction aligns with ADS’ core growth strategies and accelerates momentum by introducing new solutions to the product portfolio, broadening customer reach, and enhancing distribution capabilities.
NDS brings a strong financial foundation to the combination, having generated $313 million in revenue over the trailing 12 months ended June 2025, with approximately 90 percent of sales in the U.S. The acquisition is expected to be accretive to adjusted EPS in the first year, supported by ADS’ proven integration capabilities and operational discipline.
“ADS continues to evolve from a pipe manufacturing company to an enterprise providing a wide range of stormwater and onsite wastewater solutions, with leading manufacturing, logistics and design services,” said Scott Barbour, CEO and president of ADS.
Bax Engineering
Bax Engineering Company announced a planned leadership transition. Dan Bax, son of company founder Harold Bax, will assume both majority ownership and the role of president effective Jan. 1, 2026. He will work closely with Jeff Simmons to guide the company’s future growth and client service. Simmons will also take on an ownership role and serve as Vice President.
Bax represents the next generation of family leadership, returning to the firm after building a successful 15-year career in the electrical utility industry. He managed multidisciplinary teams on large-scale projects in substation design, transmission and distribution systems, and underground electrical infrastructure.
Known for his technical expertise, strategic planning, and collaborative leadership style, Bax has also spearheaded reliability programs to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction. He will succeed current and longtime President Cliff Heitmann, who will retire at the end of 2025.
Bax Engineering Company is a full-service surveying, land planning, and civil engineering firm based in St. Charles, Mo. Since 1981, the firm has partnered with private developers, public agencies, and design teams to deliver accurate, efficient, and dependable solutions for residential, commercial, and municipal projects across the region.
Yoder & Frey Auctioneers
Yoder & Frey Auctioneers, a trusted name in unreserved heavy equipment auctions for more than 60 years, held its second sale, relaunching its Atlanta, Ga., sale site.
About 25 vendors sent machinery and equipment to this Atlanta auction, with 90 percent of bidders from the U.S. The remaining bidders were from around the planet, demonstrating the reach Yoder & Frey has now, as part of the global Euro Auctions Group.
The company also introduced the new Atlanta team to provide vendors and buyers with a new level of local service in the Southwest.
Kevin Simmons is regional sales manager-Georgia. With nearly 30 years of experience in heavy machinery, largely with Caterpillar’s Yancey Bros. Working his way up from parts to sales and regional management, he brings deep expertise and a strong sales record. Having long bought and sold with Yoder & Frey, he values its family-driven leadership and plans to use his industry network to expand business across Ohio, Florida, Texas, and Georgia.
Craig Foreman, territory manager-Georgia, has decades of experience in forestry, construction, and ag equipment, from farm life to 15 years at Pioneer Machinery and 18 years with Yancey Caterpillar.
Ben Jones is territory manager-Georgia. Another CAT veteran, he specializes in forestry, logging, recycling, and construction equipment. Raised on a farm, he said, “There’s nothing I can’t drive.” He’s focused on growing Yoder & Frey’s footprint across Georgia through strong local contacts.
Jerry Bowlin is territory manager-Georgia. Born into an auction family, Bowlin ran Pro Team Auctions before joining Yoder & Frey. “This isn’t just what I do—it’s who I am,” he said. With deep agricultural ties and a vast contact base, he plans to strengthen the company’s presence and reintroduce communities to Yoder & Frey’s personal, service-first auction style.
As territory manager-Florida & Georgia, Nick Gray has over 17 years in heavy equipment solutions and 25 years in customer service, in the rental sector. He brings extensive expertise in sales, leadership, and management and is skilled in account growth, operations, and negotiation.
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