Defense as catalyst for Limburg manufacturing industry

In conversation with Ron Coenen (Chairman LWV) and Tys van Elk (Director VDL Mobility Innovation Center in Born)

International tensions are rising and the call for a stronger Defense is getting louder. The Netherlands is investing heavily in new capacity, but this is only possible in close cooperation with the business community. For the Limburg manufacturing industry, this is the moment to get involved.

"This is the opportunity we have now," says Tys van Elk. According to him, the conditions are ready in Limburg: knowledge, scaling capacity and physical space. Ron Coenen adds: "We must firmly position our province as a partner for Defense as well as a future-proof manufacturing cluster. Because the story goes further than just Defence."

The geopolitical reality makes Defense invest extra in the coming years. According to Coenen, on the one hand this is a necessity, but on the other hand it offers great opportunities for our region. "Where Defense used to buy everything, there is now a growing desire to cooperate. This mainly involves looking at 'dual use': products that can be used both civilian and military. And that is exactly where Limburg can show its strength."

"We have a strong manufacturing industry with flexibility and innovativeness. For Defense, where security of supply and technological progress are essential, that is worth its weight in gold. Limburg can become a reliable partner in the defense chain."

VDL in Born as hub

The VDL location in Born plays two crucial roles in this. First, as an infrastructure hub: a quarter of the site has been made available for defense-related activities. "We have physical space, nitrogen space and power," says Van Elk. "That combination is rare and crucial for rapid scale-up."

In addition, VDL is a development and manufacturing company with broad experience in scale-up and industrialization. "From manual production to fully automated high-tech production lines: we know how to go from small to big. Clout and scale-up capability is what Defense needs."

For the first time, the site is not exclusive to VDL companies. Van Elk: "We open the site to our partners, as long as they strengthen the business. This creates clusters in which companies supply Defence together. VDL consciously seeks cooperation in this."

Together faster ahead

Chain cooperation is the core, both emphasize. Van Elk: "We have long been a supplier to the defense industry and are strong in product development, automation and assembly. All competencies needed to scale up an industry quickly. We are looking for partners to accelerate innovation."

Coenen: "We want to prevent entrepreneurs from getting stuck in complex tenders or bureaucracy. If we already cooperate and organize smartly on the front end, we will get a head start. Think of companies already making army boots or startups working on autonomous vehicles. By joining forces, Limburg can really make strides."

Better than defense

Though Defense should not be the only anchor for the future of the Born location. Van Elk: "We have learned that you should never be too dependent on one customer. That's why we are also looking at high-tech, energy and batteries, mobility and the Einstein Telescope. There is a lot of overlap: a battery for a drone can also be used in the agricultural sector. A special vehicle can be a bus or an army vehicle. With 'dual use' you build a future-proof cluster."

Coenen also sees the role of SMEs here: "Smaller companies often innovate faster than large corporates. If you couple that innovative power with VDL's scale and infrastructure, you build an ecosystem that reaches much further than Defense alone."

Event for the Limburg manufacturing industry

On October 28, LWV, Land of Makers, Province of Limburg and VDL organized an exclusive event where the strength of our region was linked to the mission of Defense. There, entrepreneurs, Defense and experts met to explore opportunities together.

"We deliberately chose a selective group of companies," says Coenen. Manufacturing companies that are already delivering or have clear potential. With the aim of inspiring, informing and especially to really start the conversation about themes such as innovation, labor market and financing."

Van Elk expects the event to have led to concrete connections: "When entrepreneurs find each other and enter into new collaborations, you accelerate. VDL can facilitate with assets and scaling up, SMEs also bring specialist knowledge and innovation. Together you make the chain stronger."

A resilient manufacturing cluster

And what does the future look like? Van Elk: "I expect that in five years we will be able to say that Limburg is an important link in the defense value chain. Not because we do everything ourselves, but because we have made tactical partnerships. Inside and outside the region."

Coenen concludes, "Defense should not be an end station, but a flywheel. A catalyst that gives the Limburg manufacturing industry a boost. This is the time to seize that opportunity."

A review of the Event for the Limburg Manufacturing Industry can be found here.