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The last activists who were in our trees in Limburg were safely brought down this morning. Afterwards, work was started on chopping down the trees.
Given the interest in the occupation of our trees, and the reactions to this, we believe there is a need to once again comprehensively explain our vision, and the reasons why we have proceeded with the felling of the trees.
Due to the occupancy of our trees, we are forced to start felling earlier. To maintain public order and safety and to prevent further disruption, we have expedited the tree removal.
The created dichotomy, as if nature lovers and employers are at odds with each other, does not do justice to reality. Since the founding of our family business in 1953, we have demonstrated that we are a sustainable and caring company that places corporate social responsibility at the forefront, as well as caring for the livability of the area around our locations. We are also enthusiasts of flora and fauna. Among other things, through our partnership VDL Grondmaatschappij for the preservation of Natuurschoon, founded in 2014, we actively participate in nature compensation. In this context, we can also understand the stance against tree felling.
Together with the province and municipalities, we have been working intensively for 7 years on the spatial expansion of our car factory, VDL Nedcar in Born. All stakeholders have been involved at every stage. In recent years, a thorough democratic decision-making process has been followed. The importance of ecology has also been heavily considered. At the many information evenings we have held for local residents and other stakeholders, we consistently experience broad support.
The activists who occupied our trees, or their sympathizers, have never come forward, not even for a conversation. They have also never joined an objection procedure.
To carry out the area development, we have opted for substantial, additional investments. We deliberately chose a very extensive nature compensation. We believe this is important. Ensuring continuity and passing on our company in a more sustainable and healthier way to the next generation is the highest goal for us as a family business. It is embedded in our DNA.
We have gone out on a limb for the interests of neighboring residential areas. For example, we have transformed the surroundings of our factory into a wonderful area where recreation can now take place.
We have made every effort to generously compensate objectors. For completeness, we list the main components: 130 new bat boxes, new otter burrows, new herb-rich grassland, new fruit trees, new beehives, a socially, sustainably, and circularly renovated castle, new bicycle and walking paths that give the area an enhanced recreational character, and tree planting (more than twice the number of trees to be felled). In addition to this planting, we are replanting 55 large trees from the area in the neighbouring Wolfrath area. Trees with a diameter of at least 40 centimetres at 150 centimetres height.
There is more.
We are establishing a foundation that, through environmental compensation, will contribute to the livability in and around the residential areas in the immediate vicinity of VDL Nedcar. We are making a substantial start-up capital available for this green fund. Additionally, we are also committed to a new pedestrian bridge over the provincial road (N297) to restore the route of the renowned Pieterpad, and we will also contribute to the realisation of a noise barrier and nature embankment.
The extensive compensation package has convinced all objectors who have reported themselves in recent years. Also the Green Bat Wolf (DGS) and the Foundation for Ecological Bat Research Netherlands (SEVON). These groups had initiated a legal procedure against the province regarding the land development before the Council of State. Now that constructive talks with DGS and SEVON have led to an agreement, the Council of State does not need to issue a ruling: a green light for the spatial expansion of VDL Nedcar.
It is relevant to also reflect on the necessity of expansion. This is driven by the adage that VDL Groep aims to sustainably maintain and strengthen employment in the high-quality manufacturing industry.
If we cease our production at the end of 2023 for our current client BMW, we cannot immediately start building another car on the same production line. It takes about 1.5 years to convert the factory. New clients cannot wait that long. If we cannot guarantee an earlier and concrete start date for production, they will look for alternatives and therefore withdraw. A worst-case scenario for employment as well as for the economic (regional and national) outlook.
Regional development is therefore an absolute necessity to be able to expand our factory, and more importantly: to preserve jobs. The scenario is as follows: the expansion must be completed by the end of 2023, so that our employees can exchange the current production halls, where MINIs and BMWs are produced until then, for the new halls where production for a new customer can commence. What about new clients then? We expect to be able to provide clarity soon.
Suggestions to realise the extension elsewhere, on a car park or an adjacent field (if that would already be available), have of course been extensively investigated in recent years. Independent studies have shown that these alternatives, also mentioned by activists, are not feasible options. The same applies to building a completely new factory elsewhere, another common remark during the past week.
Through significant investments in both employees and automation, VDL Nedcar has become one of the best car factories in the world, with fantastic specialists. We can match the absolute world top in terms of quality and delivery reliability. A jewel in the industry that the Netherlands can be proud of.
Through our strength through collaboration, we have trained thousands of employees ourselves and provided them with prospects by offering them a job over the past 10 years. The number of employees in Born has increased from 1,450 in 2012 to 4,200 now.
In terms of indirect employment, more than 8,000 additional staff can be added. Our expansion is therefore about securing the future of over 12,000 families.
The automotive industry is one of the driving forces behind manufacturing and also creates many jobs in the service sector. New clients will purchase as many regional components for their vehicles as possible. A completely new ecosystem will emerge, which can provide a significant long-term boost to employment in Limburg and the Netherlands.
As a pillar of the manufacturing industry in the Netherlands, we also provide employment for a broad group of employees, including some who have not – or only minimally – had the opportunity to complete their education and, in some cases, have fallen outside the reach of the government. Unfortunately, this group is overrepresented in Limburg.
We do this based on our corporate philosophy to create societal value, with a focus on sustainable employment, but also close involvement with the living environment.
The wood from the felled trees will be made available to, among others, schools in Limburg that provide practical education in carpentry. By having students create items such as wooden benches, tables, hedge walls, bridges, and insect hotels, an effort is being made to give the felled wood a sustainable, new purpose in and around the Wolfrath recreation area and on the VDL Nedcar site.
We realize that the call for a sustainable, green future is louder than ever. 'Greening' passenger cars through electrification is an important part of this. We want to ensure that the employees of the only car factory in the Netherlands will make a significant contribution to this. Let's preserve and strengthen employment at VDL Nedcar in Born, and thereby at many other companies in Limburg. This will benefit everyone's well-being and welfare.
Management VDL Groep
Read more information in the documents below:
More documents about the VDL Nedcar area development, and frequently asked questions with answers, can be found at this website of the Province of Limburg.
Communications Director and spokesperson for VDL Groep
E: m.timmers@vdl.nl
Tel: +31 6 14767066
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