The VDMA supports mechanical engineering companies in achieving success in these challenging times by combining various strengths within a large network. The network is now being further expanded in the Benelux region with its high potential for innovation.
At the first general meeting of VDMA Benelux, Dr. Theresa Spaan-Burke, co-owner and innovation director of IBS Precision Engineering BV (Netherlands), was elected chair of the board. Hans van Reusel, CEO of IPTE Factory Automation NV (BE), and Philippe Alzin, director of global sales at the CERATIZIT S.A. (LUX), were appointed vice chairs. With the election of the board and the adoption of the rules of procedure, the establishment of the European VDMA regional association Benelux was successfully completed. Spaan-Burke has a PhD in Physics and a Master’s degree in Global Business from the University of Oxford. IBS Precision Engineering BV – a family-owned Dutch SME from Eindhoven – serves industries including semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace and big science, delivering pioneering expertise in ultra-high precision measurement, positioning and motion solutions. They specialize in custom-made ultra-precision machines, modules and components.
Commenting on her election, Dr. Theresa Spaan-Burke said: “The VDMA supports machinery and equipment manufacturing companies in succeeding in these challenging geopolitical times by combining various strengths in a large network. The opportunity to work with colleagues to further expand this network in the Benelux region, with its strategic location, first-class infrastructure, and high innovation potential, is a great privilege.”
VDMA Vice President Alexander Jakschik adds: “The Benelux region is a leading innovative and central strategic pillar of the European and global machinery industry, and also for the VDMA. The establishment of VDMA Benelux and the election of its board clearly embody this.”
VDMA expands and promotes Europe’s machinery industry and network
VDMA Benelux, based in Maastricht, was founded three years ago as a regional office of the VDMA. The regional association represents a significant and growing number of member companies from the region. With a turnover of around 83 billion euros (2025), the Benelux region is a key global center of machine manufacturing that is deeply embedded in European value chains.
“Our board members are a diverse mix of entrepreneurs from Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg they ensure that we have excellent regional and cross-sector coverage of the Benelux machine industry,” says Arjan Schmits, Managing Director of VDMA Benelux. VDMA Benelux is the first transnational European regional association of the VDMA and, after VDMA Austria, the second regional association with its own board outside Germany. “Europe and the EU are of utmost importance for our members – as a single domestic market, as a rule-setter, as a community of values and a key global player. In particular in times of global turmoil and rapid change, the challenges the entrepreneurs face and industry encounters can’t be solved on national level(s) alone. To strengthen and ensure Europe’s competitiveness as well as machinery industry base, actions are needed”, says Schmits.
VDMA members from the Benelux region can actively participate in and benefit from the VDMA’s European and global network, as well as its services and expertise. “They shape and promote Europe’s machinery and equipment manufacturing industry and develop innovative high-tech machines and solutions that advance society and often complement German expertise,” explains Arjan Schmits.
Image: The board of the VDMA Benelux National Association
Source: VDMA
