Province Limburg and VDL jointly invest in the future of the VDL site in Born

Province of Limburg and VDL Groep are investing millions of euros in promoting innovation, employment, and livability on and around the VDL site in Born. A total of 25 million euros has been reserved by the Province and the family-owned industrial company from Eindhoven. For VDL, this amounts to 10 million euros. The Provincial Executive of Limburg has proposed to the Provincial Council to reserve 15 million euros for the future development of the industrial estate and related developments. Of this amount, 5 million euros can be spent on additional nature and livability in the adjacent areas of the site in the municipalities of Echt-Susteren and Sittard-Geleen.

VDL Groep and Province of Limburg have signed a memorandum of intent to develop an alternative plan for the VDL site in Born. The aim is to create space for various (innovative) developments that offer significant opportunities for the VDL location, serving the interests of the Limburg economy and the Limburg manufacturing industry, and further increasing employment.

VDL is going to further develop the location in Born in the fields of sustainable mobility, new battery and energy systems, manufacturing industry (including high-tech), and defense industry (including drones). It is clear that VDL, with the plans being explored and prepared, is aiming for a broad use of the site in Born.

Positive impact on employment

President and CEO Willem van der Leegte of VDL Group: “We have always maintained confidence in the future of our location in Born. That is why we continue to invest, including in Born and its surroundings. This collaboration with Limburg Province marks a strong initiative through which our site in Born will be transformed into a sustainable, autonomous production facility for the national and European high-quality manufacturing industry, with a positive impact on employment and the economy. We are in discussions with the province about where these millions will be invested. The guiding principle is to promote innovation, employment, and livability at the VDL site in Born and the surrounding area”.

Strengthening Limburg's economy

Stephan Satijn, Deputy for Economy, Finance, Business Operations and Public Affairs: “The development of the VDL site in Born is of great importance for the Limburg economy. It is a positive development that VDL is working to develop plans for this site to fully utilise its potential. The intended production of military equipment on part of the site aligns seamlessly with the Limburg Defence Agenda. Together with the Ministry of Defence, we are exploring where opportunities in our province lie to meet the defence requirements. With VDL, we are taking steps forward to make space for defence activities and at the same time working on an innovative Limburg manufacturing industry that strengthens our regional economy and is indispensable for the Netherlands.”

The €15 million that the Provincial Executive proposes to reserve to promote developments on and around the VDL site in Born comes from the remaining funds of the 'old' programme budget 'Area Development VDL Nedcar'.

Consequences of terminating the Anterior Agreement (AO)

VDL Nedcar and the Province of Limburg have amicably terminated the so-called Preliminary Agreement (AO) regarding the ‘Area Development VDL Nedcar’ that was signed in 2020. As a result, plans for the construction of a ring road and the realisation of the grade-separated crossing on the south side of the industrial estate are currently on hold. The termination of the Preliminary Agreement does not have immediate consequences for the Municipality of Sittard-Geleen’s Environmental Plan. Although the previously planned expansion of the VDL site and related infrastructural adjustments will not proceed, agreements with the municipalities of Sittard-Geleen and Echt-Susteren regarding nature compensation and livability funds remain in place and are being implemented. For the ‘Area Development VDL’ programme from 2019-2020, the Ministries of Economic Affairs and Infrastructure and Water Management, along with the Water Board, had also pledged financial contributions. The province is in discussion with these ministries to preserve these previously promised funds for future developments on and around the VDL site in Born.