VDL will further develop the location in Born in the field of sustainable mobility, new battery and energy systems, manufacturing industry (including high-tech), and defense industry. It is clear that VDL, with the plans being explored and prepared, aims for a broad use of the site in Born and also strives for so-called dual-use applications that can be used for both military and civilian purposes.
Strengthening the Limburg Economy
Stephan Satijn, Deputy for Economy, Finance, Business Operations, and Public Affairs: “The development of the VDL site in Born is of great importance to the Limburg economy. It is a good thing that the management of VDL is making efforts to develop plans for this site that fully utilize the potential of the location. The intended production of military equipment on part of the site aligns perfectly with the Limburg Defense Agenda. Together with the Ministry of Defense, we are looking at where opportunities in our province lie to meet the defense requirements. With VDL, we are taking steps forward to provide space for defense activities while simultaneously working on an innovative Limburg manufacturing industry that strengthens our regional economy and is indispensable for the Netherlands.”
Positive Impact on Employment
President-Director Willem van der Leegte of VDL Group: “We have always maintained confidence in the future of our location in Born. Therefore, we continue to invest, also in Born and the surrounding area. This collaboration with the Province of Limburg marks a strong initiative that transforms our location in Born into a sustainable, autonomous production site for the national and European high-quality manufacturing industry with a positive impact on employment and the economy. We are in discussions with the province about where these millions will be invested. The starting point is to stimulate innovation, employment, and livability at the VDL site in Born and in the surrounding area.”
Investing in and around the VDL Site
Province of Limburg and VDL jointly emphasize the importance of stimulating innovation, employment, and livability at and around the VDL site in Born. Therefore, VDL and the Province will reserve financial resources to promote these developments. For VDL, this amounts to 10 million euros. The Provincial Executive has proposed to the Provincial States to reserve 15 million euros from the remainder of the old program budget Area Development VDL Nedcar for the future use of the VDL site and related developments. Of this amount, 5 million euros can be spent on additional nature and on livability in the adjacent areas of the site in the municipalities of Echt-Susteren and Sittard-Geleen.
Consequences of Termination of AO
VDL Nedcar and Province of Limburg have amicably terminated the so-called Preliminary Agreement regarding the Area Development VDL Nedcar signed in 2020. One consequence is that the plans for the construction of a bypass and the realization of the grade-separated intersection on the south side of the industrial area are currently off the table.
The termination of the Preliminary Agreement has no direct consequences for the Environmental Plan of the municipality of Sittard-Geleen. Although the previously planned area expansion of the VDL site and associated infrastructural adjustments will not go ahead, agreements with the municipality of Sittard-Geleen and the municipality of Echt-Susteren regarding nature compensation and livability funds remain in place and will be executed.
For the Area Development VDL program from 2019-2020, the ministries of Economic Affairs and Infrastructure and Water Management had also promised financial contributions. The province is in discussions with these ministries to retain these previously pledged amounts for future developments at and around the VDL site in Born.
