Organization information: The VDL Group, with its head office in Eindhoven (The Netherlands), is an international industrial company focused on the development, production and sales of semi-manufactured products, buses & coaches and finished products and the assembly of cars. Since the founding in 1953 this family-owned company has grown to include 88 operating companies, spread over 19 countries with more than 13.000 employees. (see also www.vdlgroep.com). The establishment of a wholesale business in Apeldoorn by Dirk Weweler in 1924, laid the basis for what VDL Weweler is today. Over the last 93 years VDL Weweler has developed into a leading international designer and manufacturer of (air) suspension solutions for trailers, trucks and busses. This development was reinforced by the incorporation into the VDL Groep in 2001. VDL Weweler produces, tests and sells air suspension systems, axle lift systems, parabolic springs and auxiliary axles for trucks and buses and is fortunate to work with the industry’s leading O.E.M. VDL Weweler’s policy is intended to stimulate innovation of products and production methods, with a focus on cooperation, sustainability, quality, professionalism as well as cost optimization. This approach has resulted in a highly automated production facility, in which robotics play a vital role and where advanced logistics enable large Kanban and Just In Time deliveries around the globe. Furthermore this has created durable, state-of-the-art, reliable and cost-effective products that are being used by leading OE axle, trailer and truck & bus manufacturers worldwide. To constantly provide superior value to the customers, VDL Weweler continuously seeks the best solution by carefully listening to the customers’ wishes and developing those wishes into efficient high-tech solutions in a creative and flexible manner. VDL Weweler has a flat organizational structure with short lines of communication. Continuous effort is put into improving the existing no-nonsense culture in which informal, personal, professional and open communication predominates. The company’s culture is best described by the collective VDL credo: ‘Strength through cooperation’. As within all VDL companies, the heart of VDL Weweler is formed by the dedicated employees and the expert craftsmanship at all levels. VDL Weweler has attained and maintained their competitive position through the efforts of motivated and flexible professionals.

Role in SERENA: VDL Weweler will be one of the SERENA end users responsible for the steel parts production industry extended demonstrator.