VDL formally opens Roeslare factory
On the eve of its acquisition of the Van Hool coach business, Belgium-based VDL Bus & Coach formally opened its VDL Bus Roeselare, the new Flemish production facility.
In addition to the 27,000m2 production facility, this also launches the workshop, warehouse, and offices of VDL Bus Roeselare and VDL Bus & Coach Belgium nv. The site at Krommebeekpark 2, Roeselare, which covers an area of 77,000m2, has been in operation for some time. VDL Bus Roeselare will have serial production of the new generation Citea, the 100% electric bus for public transport. The opening was attended by Flemish Prime Minister, Jan Jambon, and Flemish minister Lydia Peeters (Mobility) as well as customers, suppliers and media.
The foundation stone of VDL Groep’s new bus plant had been laid on 8 February 2022. After more than two years, these plans have come to fruition in what VDL says is the most modern bus factory in Europe. The new site features VDL Groep’s sustainability and innovation philosophy. The building has underfloor heating and extensive ventilation systems ensuring efficient use of energy. Solar panels have been integrated into the design, making the plant 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 contributes to the biodiversity of the environment.
Local employment and European production VDL Bus & Coach deliberately chooses to build its buses in Europe. “We have a reliable network of production facilities, close to customers, with our own skilled workers who have been loyal to us for years, and with sustainable production methods. Our employees are highly qualified and use state-of-the-art technology to produce the electric buses of today and of the future,” says Rolf-Jan Zweep, CEO of VDL Bus & Coach.
Alain Doucet, managing director VDL Bus Roeselare, also stresses the importance of investing in jobs: “We know that technically-skilled people are of paramount importance for the high-end manufacturing industry. It is crucial that we also continue to invest in lifelong learning as bus builders to adapt the skills of our employees to the changing needs of the economy.
“However, we should not assume this happens automatically: it requires a great effort from both employer and employee.”
VDL Bus Roeselare’s production capacity is around 800 buses per annum. Despite the fact that the Roeselare plant could manufacture this total number of new-generation Citeas each year on its own, VDL Bus & Coach deliberately chose to share production of this electric city bus with its other production facility in Valkenswaard. This maximises the use of available production capacity. It also increases flexibility.