You have to keep moving forward!

The southern Netherlands is one of Europe’s strongest manufacturing and innovation regions. Here, products are developed, jobs are created, and solutions are built to address the major challenges of our time—from energy and sustainability to defense, high-tech, and healthcare. Yet behind that strength, pressure is also mounting. Companies are increasingly running into bottlenecks related to space, energy, permits, regulations, and personnel.

A driving force for innovation

The campaign describes the southern Netherlands as an engine of innovation. And that engine is still running strong. Think of Brainport, ASML, and the many lesser-known family-owned businesses and manufacturing companies that operate globally in their respective niches.

“It is precisely those companies that are incredibly important,” says Addy. “They may not always be visible, but they are often global players in their own fields. They provide jobs, support families, and help build a future for generations to come.”

At the same time, things are starting to falter behind the scenes. Network congestion is making it difficult to invest. Energy prices are higher than in neighboring countries. Nitrogen regulations, permitting processes, a lack of space, and a tight labor market are creating additional pressure.

“If you want to expand or go electric, you often need more energy. But getting a higher-capacity connection is difficult right now. On top of that, there are nitrogen emissions, permits, infrastructure, and staffing. It’s all interconnected.”

For Limburg, its location along the border is also a factor. Companies automatically look across the border. “If a company in Venlo on the other side can get a connection faster, then that choice suddenly becomes a very real possibility. That might not happen every day, but once a company is gone, it won’t just come back.”

Companies at the helm

The campaign is deliberately led by the companies themselves. In Limburg, Canon and Smurfit Westrock, among others, are participating as frontrunners.

“Of course, you could approach the government and ask if it will get involved. But we think it’s important for business owners to take the lead themselves,” says Addy. “They experience the challenges firsthand every day. So it’s also more impactful when they work together to shape the message.”

LWV and VNO-NCW Brabant-Zeeland are co-initiators and facilitators. But the campaign is primarily a movement driven by the companies themselves. The gears symbolize this beautifully: every company is a cog in a larger machine. We need each other.

Proud of what is made here

The campaign will run for the next three years and is intended to grow into a broad movement. “A lot of attention is focused on the Randstad and, of course, on Brainport. But the southern Netherlands is much broader than that. Limburg, too, has wonderful manufacturing companies and family-owned businesses that we’re proud of.”

“Maybe we’re sometimes too modest down here in the south,” Addy says. “Still, we really should show what’s being made here, what jobs it creates, and just how much it contributes to innovation and sustainability.”

Join the campaign, too

Large and small manufacturing companies can participate in various ways. We’re also working on a way for supporters who want to back the message to get involved. Don’t wait—join us, is the call to action. Not just for greater visibility, but to work together to strengthen the story of the Southern Netherlands.

“If we want the southern Netherlands to remain attractive to manufacturing companies, we need to demonstrate that together. Progress doesn’t happen on its own. You have to make it happen!”