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The family business VDL Groep is collaborating with Defence to deploy its capacities and facilities in, among other places, Born in Limburg for defence production. This enables innovative companies to scale up in the Netherlands. Minister Ruben Brekelmans and CEO Willem van der Leegte announced this today at VDL Groep in Eindhoven.
The security of the Netherlands and its allies necessitates a rapid strengthening of the armed forces. To achieve this, Defence requires everything in greater quantities: from combat vehicles to drones, from traditional equipment to high-tech systems. The Netherlands will also need to contribute more to military production. There is a need for more certainty, shorter delivery times, and reduced dependence on countries outside Europe. Therefore, Defence called on companies to also utilize their capacities and facilities where possible for our security.
Minister Brekelmans: “We are very grateful that the fantastic family business VDL is willing to respond to our call. I am pleased to announce today that Defence is entering into cooperation with VDL. This will be the flagship of the renewed collaboration between Defence and companies.”
Many companies and the Defence have knowledge of specific equipment and weapon systems. VDL has the expertise, capabilities, and infrastructure to produce on a large scale and with high quality. A combination of quality and scale, that is exactly what the armed forces need.
Defense wants to support VDL in various ways in setting up Defense production, starting at the location in Born. First and foremost, they are looking into contributing through the rental of production facilities. Defense can also assist in finding companies that can scale up production together with VDL. Additionally, Defense can help consolidate the demand from various countries so that the orders are large enough to commence production at VDL.
This collaboration not only contributes to safety but also to economic growth. It directly creates more jobs in Limburg. It also provides more room for innovation, which in turn leads to further growth and development.
Brekelmans: ”It is a win-win situation in every respect. A win for Defence, a win for VDL. A win for our security, and a win for our economy. This new flagship demonstrates that we as Defence want to collaborate more intensively with companies. We rely heavily on our entrepreneurs, industry, and knowledge institutions to ensure we stay safe, now and in the future.”
President-director Willem van der Leegte of VDL Groep: "The uncertain geopolitical developments highlight the importance of a strong European – but certainly also Dutch – defense industry. Defence is calling on us, and we accept our responsibility. With more than 100 development and manufacturing companies, we possess the competencies relevant when scaling up an industry: industrialising, product development, automation, and assembly. Moreover, we have a location in Born with plenty of space, where a lack of power is not an issue and where there is extensive knowledge of high-quality assembly. What exactly are we going to do? Wherever Defence has needs and the demand aligns with our competencies, or those of our partners, we will provide support.”
Source: Ministry of Defence
Communications Director and spokesperson for VDL Groep
E: m.timmers@vdl.nl
Tel: +31 6 14767066
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