VDL Bus & Coach opens hyper-modern bus factory in Flemish Roeselare

VDL Bus Roeselare, the new Flemish manufacturing facility of VDL Bus & Coach, was officially opened today on Wednesday 10 April. In addition to the 27,000m2 production facility, the workshop, warehouse, and offices of VDL Bus Roeselare and VDL Bus & Coach Belgium nv are also being inaugurated.

The over 77,000m2 site at Krommebeekpark 2 in Roeselare has been operational for some time. At VDL Bus Roeselare, the new generation Citea, the 100% electric bus for public transport, is produced on a serial basis.

At the opening, alongside customers, suppliers, and the media, Vlaamse Minister-President Jan Jambon and Vlaamse Minister Lydia Peeters (Mobility) were also present.

The groundbreaking ceremony for VDL Groep's new bus factory took place on 8 February 2022. After more than 2 years, these plans have materialised and the most modern bus factory in Europe has been realised.

Sustainability and innovation

The new establishment  is characterized by the sustainability and innovation philosophy of VDL Groep, which is reflected in several ways. The building is designed with a strong focus on environmental friendliness, with underfloor heating and extensive ventilation systems ensuring efficient energy use. Solar panels are integrated into the design, making the factory largely self-sufficient in its energy needs. The green roof not only contributes to the aesthetics of the building but also acts as a natural insulator and promotes biodiversity in the environment. With these facilities, VDL Bus & Coach aims for a sustainable and ecologically responsible production environment and proudly continues to work on reducing its ecological footprint.

Local employment and European manufacturing

VDL Bus & Coach deliberately chooses to manufacture its buses in Europe. “In our reliable network of production facilities, close to customers, with our own skilled craftsmen who have been loyal to us for years and with sustainable production methods. Our employees are highly qualified and use the most modern techniques to produce today’s and future electric buses,” says Rolf-Jan Zweep, CEO of VDL Bus & Coach.

Also Alain Doucet, director of VDL Bus Roeselare, emphasizes the importance of investing in employment: “We know that technically skilled people are of the utmost importance for the high-quality manufacturing industry. It is crucial that we, as bus builders, continue to invest in lifelong learning to adapt the skills of our employees to the changing needs of the economy. However, we must not take this for granted; it requires a significant effort from both employer and employee.”

VDL Bus & Coach, part of the family business VDL Groep, is a passionate advocate for the preservation of employment, knowledge, and expertise in its own region. To continue pursuing this goal and to maintain the bus manufacturing industry in Europe, VDL Bus & Coach emphasizes the importance of a level playing field regarding initiatives from other parts of the world. “There must be a fair competition, a contest with the same rules of the game,” says Rolf-Jan Zweep.

The production capacity of VDL Bus Roeselare is approximately 800 buses per year. Although the factory in Roeselare could produce this total number of new generation Citeas annually, VDL Bus & Coach deliberately chooses to also manufacture this electric city bus at its other production facility in Valkenswaard. This ensures the available production capacity is utilized as efficiently as possible. It also increases flexibility.

About VDL Bus & Coach

The core activities of VDL Bus & Coach consist of the development, production, sales, aftersales, and service of a wide range of public transport buses and coaches. VDL Bus & Coach comprises several operating companies working together on the global market. Manufacturing takes place in Europe. Paramount in our values are quality, safety, sustainability, the environment, low energy consumption, comfort, and low maintenance costs. As we transition to zero emission transport, VDL Bus & Coach offers comprehensive solutions. The sale of VDL Bus & Coach products is carried out through a network of own branches, importers, and agents in more than 30 countries. Customers can rely on quick and effective aftersales, service, and maintenance from staff at one of numerous service points. An extensive distribution network ensures that spare parts are delivered as quickly as possible to their destination. VDL Bus & Coach has now grown to become one of the leading bus manufacturers in Europe.