Germany’s association for mechanical and plant engineering, Verband Deutscher Maschinen- und Anlagenbauer (VDMA), has established a regional chapter for the Benelux region, Kallanish learns.
VDMA so far has extended into Austria, but notes that the new launch of VDMA Benelux is its first “transnational” European regional association outside Germany.
VDMA Benelux, is based in Maastricht, Netherlands where VDMA established a regional office years ago. The new chapter represents a significant and growing number of member companies from the region embracing Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. With a turnover of around €83 billion ($96 billion) in 2025, the region is a key global centre of machine manufacturing that is deeply embedded in European values, the association notes.
“In particular in times of global turmoil and rapid change, the challenges the entrepreneurs face and industry encounters cannot be solved on national level(s) alone. To strengthen and ensure Europe’s competitiveness as well as machinery industry base, actions are needed,” says Arjan Schmits, managing director of VDMA Benelux.
At the first general meeting of VDMA Benelux, Theresa Spaan-Burke, co-owner and innovation director of IBS Precision Engineering BV (Netherlands), was elected chairwoman of the board.
