VDL Groep to shut down casting operations in Heerlen this year
By Bradley Osborne - 22nd February 2024
Castings operation at VDL iron foundry in Veerlen, Netherlands
Netherlands – VDL Groep, a diversified manufacturing company based in Eindhoven, Netherlands, announced in January that it will wind down its casting operations in Heerlen, citing lower production volumes, the rising cost of energy, and stricter environmental requirements as reasons behind the decision.
The iron foundry in Heerlen, operated by subsidiary company ‘VDL Castings Heerlen’, produces cast-iron parts for multiple sectors, including the truck industry. It was acquired in 2017 by VDL, which has reportedly invested “millions of euros” in the foundry since then. However, the company is compelled to spend even more money if it wants the site to remain compliant with environmental regulations, which would entail transitioning to electric smelting as well as meeting targets which it characterises as “stricter” and “at times unachievable”.
