High-tech company VDL ETG: PSI’s new neighbour

The latest high-tech developments require close cooperation between the areas of research, development, and manufacturing. The Dutch high-tech company VDL Enabling Technologies Group (VDL ETG) is intending to build a long-term strategic partnership with the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI. A decisive move in this direction has been the company renting premises at Park Innovaare, the innovation ecosystem right next to the PSI campus. Park Innovaare facilitates collaboration between innovative companies, as well as with PSI. By signing the rental agreement, VDL ETG becomes an official Park Innovaare member company.

Both its Swiss subsidiary and its globally operating engineering company will expand their cooperations. VDL ETG intends to allocate a number of projects offering synergy with the strengths of both Park Innovaare and PSI. Park Innovaare could become one of the key locations of VDL ETG Technology and Development. VDL ETG company already has over 500 engineers working globally.

Long-standing partnership with PSI

PSI and VDL ETG have been cooperating for the past 10 years and understand the benefits of pooling know-how. “We are delighted VDL ETG has decided to settle in Park Innovaare,” says John Millard, head of Technology Transfer at PSI. “Located on the same campus alongside so many PSI researchers and technical staff allows a deeper and more direct exchange of ideas.” VDL ETG has already benefited in the past from the opportunity to combine industrial know-how with PSI’s technological expertise. This process can now move up a gear.

“Partnerships with research institutions are essential in rapidly growing technology markets,” says Geert Jakobs, CEO of VDL ETG. The company supports its customers in creating a differentiated offering. “To realise this, we invest in the relevant networks and technologies.” Jakobs goes on to say that PSI has in-depth knowledge of topics that are critical for the future technology needs of the semiconductor equipment industry.

This is why PSI offers access to its large-scale research facilities – particularly the X-ray free-electron laser SwissFEL – not only for fundamental research, but also for experiments by industrial partners. “The measurements at these large-scale facilities help us and our customers understand critical processes which are applicable in our high-tech industry. This in turn allows us to tackle future challenges together with our customers through significant improvements and innovations,” John Piggen, Managing Director, VDL ETG Switzerland explains. “Park Innovaare works closely with PSI specialists, helping to bridge the gap between science and commercial products.”

“We welcome VDL ETG’s decision to settle in Park Innovaare, as technology transfer benefits both industrial companies and research institutes,” says Dr Benno Rechsteiner, CEO Park Innovaare. “The benefits include a more extensive innovation network and the expansion of technological skills that can help companies gain a competitive edge.”

15,000 employees worldwide

VDL Enabling Technologies Group (VDL ETG) is a tier-one design and contract manufacturing partner with global operations. Its customers are original equipment manufacturing (OEM) companies that have a leading role in high-tech manufacturing equipment and users of advanced production lines.

VDL ETG Switzerland AG is a contract manufacturing and assembly partner that offers its customers modules, subsystems and integrated systems. The Swiss subsidiary has a very broad portfolio and a wide range of competencies, mainly related to the high-tech vacuum technology industry.

VDL ETGs parent company, VDL Groep, headquartered in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, is an international industrial family business with more than 100 operating companies, spread throughout 19 countries, with over 15,000 employees. The activities of the VDL companies can be summarised in the “five worlds of VDL”: Science Technology & Health, Mobility, Energy & Sustainability, Infratech and Foodtech.

Text: Park Innovaare/Daniela Muthreich and Paul Scherrer Institute