DAF is investing 200 million euros to expand its cab plant in Westerlo, Belgium.
The company made the announcement during a visit by Flemish minister for work, economics, innovation Philippe Muyters on April 23.
The Westerlo plant opened in 1966, where in addition to cabs it has also manufactured its own axles since the early seventies.
It has a current workforce of 2800 employees, producing axles and cabs for the heavy and medium duty trucks that come off the production lines in Eindhoven, The Netherlands and in Leyland, United Kingdom.
DAF has become the second largest truck brand in Europe and the market leader in the tractor segment.
The new expansion aims to further strengthen the brand’s leading position in Europe as well as in international markets.
The investment will increase production capacity of the cab plant by around 45% to 300 cabs per day in a two-shift operation.
This number will be in line with capacity of the new cab paint factory, which was officially opened at the end of 2017, following an investment of 100 million euros.
The existing 17,800m2 cab body welding factory will be expanded by 13,200m2. The extension will feature a single-line lay-out with around 130 advanced robots and 135 fully automated welding guns, to provide world-class quality, efficiency and ergonomics.
The 15,600m2 cab trimming plant will be expanded by 20,000m2. The new facility will have multiple sections, including a main assembly line, a roof assembly line and door and cockpit sub-assembly lines. It will also include an advanced test and inspection department.
DAF president Harry Wolters says the expansion is required for further growth inside and outside of Europe.
“Upon completion, the new facilities will be the most modern of their kind, setting the benchmark in quality, efficiency and ergonomics. Above all, the investment of EUR 200 million once again illustrates DAF’s confidence in the future of its plant in Belgium,” Wolters says.
