Success stories

From concept to volume production, a battery pack assembly line developed to power the New Generation Citea electric bus. Built around the right balance of process expertise, safety and ergonomics. Over 12,500 systems delivered, driving millions of emission free kilometers across European cities.

When BASF needed an autonomous transport solution for one of the world's largest chemical production sites, VDL delivered end to end. Custom vehicle concept by VDL Automated Vehicles, manufacturing and system integration by VDL Steelweld. Purpose built for 24/7 operation with maximum reliability.

From an early concept to a compact, emission free fiber injection machine deployed at some of the world's most prestigious football clubs. For the global market leader in hybrid grass solutions, VDL developed a machine that injects an average of 20 million fibers per field. A project that started with little more than a brief and ended with a machine proven in the field.

A high mix, flexible battery pack assembly line where product type determines the process, not the other way around. AGVs handle transport and tooling exchange, allowing sequences and cycle times to adapt per variant. Different battery types, different process steps, all assembled on the same line. Built to grow as the product range evolves.

Every automation project at VDL Steelweld is different, but not every line of code has to be. By using TIA Portal Openness to generate parts of our PLC software architecture, we reduce repetitive coding work and increase consistency across projects. Standardized building blocks, less manual effort, fewer errors.

An automated solution to build various types of walls. The production line is steered by a recipe architecture, enabling a production control solution that can build all kinds of variants across the same line, as long as they fit within the recipe rules. Every recipe is a direct translation of a 3D model, delivering wall segments ready for installation.

A production line is only as future-proof as the thinking behind it. VDL Steelweld engages early in the process, when product design, process requirements and long-term flexibility can still be shaped together. Because a facility depreciated over many years deserves a manufacturing concept that grows with the market, not against it.

What does full automation actually look like in practice? For this eyecatcher line, the answer is a system that sources, machines, deburrs, assembles and quality checks 120,000 parts a year across 4 variants. The operator's only job is to occasionally refill the warehouse. Everything else runs itself.

One car per minute. Over 500 robots. For a BEV manufacturer in the USA, VDL Steelweld engineered the complete upper body production line. At this scale and pace, every station, every cycle and every weld needs to be precisely balanced. Because in a line this size, the weakest link sets the rhythm for everything.

We’ve created a streamlined process for manufacturing truck wheel hubs for VDL TIM, handling 57 variants with fast cycle times. From CNC milling to cleanroom assembly, each hub is ID-tracked for full data traceability. The automated warehouse ensures smooth logistics and high-quality standards throughout.

At VDL Steelweld, we partner with Crux Agribotics to build advanced crate feeding systems that streamline agricultural processes. From one to 27 machines, we ensure their robotics are ready for the future of horticulture. Together, we’re advancing agricultural automation.