Gerard Vanden Bussche

Born: June, 1902

Gerard Vanden Bussche grew up an avid cyclist fan in Belgium.  During the First World War he served as a cyclist repair soldier at the age of 15.  He then began a professional cyclist career until the age of 24.

Immigration from Belgium

In 1926, Gerard Vanden Bussche at the age of 24 left the family farm, his father, mother and siblings in Belgium to immigrate to Canada seeking new opportunities. He first settled near Chatham, Ontario, where he joined a community of other immigrant Flemish farmers looking for new world opportunities. He grew his first tobacco crop in 1928 in Delhi, Ontario. From there he purchased and sold multiple farms used to grow tobacco, including 800 acres of workable land cleared out of a 1200 acre parcel in Grand Bend, Ontario during the 1940s.  Gerard offered to give Belgium immigrants a parcel of his land to start their own farm if they would help clear this 1200 acres.  The land they earned would allow them to grow their own crops and support their families while using Gerard's equipment to get started

Vanden Bussche Irrigation First Announcement

Nearly 30 years later, Gerard and his son Roger established Vanden Bussche Irrigation when distribution contracts were signed with Wade Rain Aluminum Pipe, Rain Bird Impact Sprinklers & CMC Pumps.

Gerard Vanden Bussche was a well recognized leader in the Belgium immigrant community and founder of Delhi Belgian Club.  He was known as a philanthropic tobacco farmer working closely with other Belgian immigrants looking to establish their own farms.

Roger Vanden Bussche, a recent graduate of the Ontario Agriculture College and newlywed to his wife Theresa.

Located on Pine St., Delhi

Located on Pine St. in Delhi, directly across the road from the Belgian Club, Vanden Bussche Irrigation was now open 8 days a week, 25 hours a day.

In fact, 1954 was a severe drought year

"Tobacco farmers were coming in droves to load up with pipe.  It was so hectic that orders were being scribbled down on cigarette packages." - Theresa Vanden Bussche

Introduction of Wade Rain Power-Roll

Roger introduces the Wade Rain Power-Roll to the local agriculture community.  This was the first mechanically moving irrigation system on the market.  Although labour intensive, this irrigation system is still being heavily used in developing parts of the world.

Introduction of the Rain Bird Agriculture Gun

Roger introduces the first Rain Bird Agriculture Gun to the local agriculture community.  These Big Guns are still very commonly used today.

Expansion

Vanden Bussche Irrigation moves to a new location south of Delhi.  This 17 acre property is home to the Vanden Bussche Irrigation Head Office still today.

Acquisition of Rainbow Irrigation

Vanden Bussche Irrigation acquires Rainbow Irrigation.  This move marked the beginning of consolidation between local irrigation dealers.

With the fabricating experience of Jack Pawly and the advanced electrical technology of his son Steve, Vanden Bussche Irrigation took another step into the future of advanced irrigation systems.

Importing Bauer Travellers

Vanden Bussche Irrigation began importing Bauer travellers to the North American market.  Manufactured in Austria, Bauer travellers quality speak for themselves.  In fact, we personally know that the first 6 reels to hit North American soil are still being used to this day.

The decision to import these Bauer travellers still stands as one of the most important decisions in company history to this day.

Death of President Roger Vanden Bussche

September 21st, 1979 President Roger Vanden Bussche passes away unexpectedly while on business in Portland, Or. Theresa Vanden Bussche wife of Roger takes control of the company as next President.

Leadership of Brooke Sowden

Under the leadership of Brooke Sowden, hired in 1967, Vanden Bussche Irrigation continued to have success through this difficult time.'

We cannot thank Brooke enough for his friendship and warm support to carry the Vanden Bussche family.

Distribution of Zimmatic Pivots

Vanden Bussche Irrigation began the distribution and assembly of Zimmatic Pivots by Lindsay.

We continue to serve over 300 customers with Zimmatic pivots from Ontario to Canada's Maritimes.

Acquisition of Dertinger Irrigation

Vanden Bussche Irrigation acquires Dertinger Irrigation.  With it came the distribution and service of Ames aluminum pipe fittings.

Acquisition of Penninsula Irrigation

Vanden Bussche Irrigation acquires Peninsula Irrigation.  With this acquisition came the introduction into the Drip/Micro Irrigation market.

Acquisition of Grainger Irrigation

Vanden Bussche Irrigation acquires Grainger Irrigation in Scarborough, Ontario.  Resulting in the opening of our 2nd location.  This marked the beginning of Vanden Bussche Irrigations Golf & Landscape Division, which at the time was known as VBI Distribution.

Death of Gerard Vanden Bussche

Gerard Vanden Bussche passes away at the age of 84.

From left: Roger, Gerard, Marc Vanden Bussche

Distribution of Netafim

Vanden Bussche Irrigation begins distributing Netafim drip irrigation products for the agricultural market.

Acquisition of Shemin Nurseries

Vanden Bussche Irrigation acquires the assets of Shemin Nurseries and opens our 3rd location in Milton, Ontario.  The move substantially expanded our turf division operations.  With it, the ability to sell and service the Rain Bird golf product line from Windsor to Kingston, Ontario.

Production contract with Bauer

Vanden Bussche Irrigation secures production contract with Bauer, based in Austria.  All Bauer hard hose irrigation travellers for the North American market since this date have been assembled in Delhi.

New General Manager & Vice-President

Marc Vanden Bussche is promoted from sales representative to General Manager/Vice President.

Design & Installation in Moscow, Russia

Through a networking opportunity, Vanden Bussche Irrigation is asked to design and oversee the installation of the turf irrigation system for the Kremlin and Red Square in Moscow, Russia.

A happy customer can take you further than you think.  All the way to Russia perhaps!

Purchase of Learning Centre

Vanden Bussche Irrigation purchases a 115 acre farm as a research and equipment demonstration site, marking the start of the Vanden Bussche Irrigation Learning Centre.

VBI opens in King City

Vanden Bussche Irrigation opens its 4th location in King City, Ontario.

Expansion of Agriculture services

Hiring of a sales representative living in Nova Scotia to meet agricultural irrigation demand in Canada’s east coast

Russian Investment Campaign

Russian government launched investment campaign, demanding more from their agriculture supply to meet demand.  Vanden Bussche Irrigation introduced the first 6” drag hose slurry system in the country.

New Head Office in Delhi

Construction of our new Head Office and Warehouse completed in Delhi.

Diversify our Agriculture Product Line

Once again, a happy customer can take you further than you'd think sometimes.  After hearing concerns about local sales & service of their transplanting units, Cheechi Magli decided to ask local growers who they would like to see selling and servicing their products.  The Italian manufacturer was soon introduced to Vanden Bussche Irrigation.  These customer referrals have now lead to further diversification of our agriculture product line to include the Italian manufactured transplanting units.

Relocation from King City to Concord

King City location is relocated to Concord, Ontario.

Launch of the VBI Mobile App

Launched the Vanden Bussche Irrigation Mobile App.  This innovative new service allows customers to find product information, place orders and check order status from any smart device.

Opening of Ottawa location

Opened our 5th location in Ottawa, Ontario. 

Golf Territory Expands

Golf sales & service territory expanded to include Ottawa valley, now stretching from Windsor to Ottawa.

Opening of Burlington Location

Opened our 6th location in Burlington, Ontario.

Realignment Strategy

In August of 2020, Vanden Bussche implemented a realignment strategy, redefining excellence in irrigation distribution and customer satisfaction. The main focus rooted in efficiency and operational excellence, with the end goal of increased customer satisfaction.

Alongside this Realignment Strategy, Vanden Bussche released a Corporate Video.

Closure of Scarborough Branch

In August, as a part of the Realignment Strategy, Vanden Bussche closed its Scarborough location- their first Turf Branch location which opened in the Spring of 1986.

Vanden Bussche Irrigation made the decision to prioritize resources away from “bricks and mortar” in order to invest in the development and enhancement of the Concord and Burlington locations.

Closure of Milton Branch

In October, as a part of the Realignment Strategy, Vanden Bussche closed its Milton location- their second Turf Branch location which opened in the Fall of 1994.

Vanden Bussche Irrigation made the decision to prioritize resources away from “bricks and mortar” in order to invest in the development and enhancement of the Concord and Burlington locations.

Launch of Mobile App 2.0

In February, we launched our new and improved Mobile App, the Mobile App 2.0. It offers customers the opportunity to not only place orders anywhere, anytime, but also check their order history, order status, and see up-to-date pricing all on the platform that is live with our internal database. Ultimately, our Mobile App 2.0 allows our customers to browse, order and track products as efficiently as possible.

Celebrating 70 Years of Business

In 2024, Vanden Bussche Irrigation proudly celebrated 70 years in business - a milestone that reflects our long standing commitment to quality, innovation and customer service. This anniversary was more than just a number; it was a celebration of the relationships we've built, the community we've served, the progress we've made, and the people we've employed since 1954. Throughout the year, we honoured our roots through stories and memories, while looking ahead to the future, and 4th generation of Vanden Bussche's to continue driving forward with purpose.