DAF celebrates 60 years of truck production in Westerlo, Belgium
DAF Trucks Vlaanderen started its activity in 1966, in Westerlo, with the production of truck cabs has grown into an ultramodern factory for both cabs and axles. Today, the axles and cabs of the newest DAF electric truck range are also produced in Westerlo.
This year, DAF celebrates 60 years of truck production in Belgium. In fact, DAF Trucks Vlaanderen started its activity in 1966, in Westerlo, with the production of truck cabs has grown into an ultramodern factory for both cabs and axles. At that time, in order to meet the increasing demand for DAF trucks, the truck maker chose the Belgian Kempen region, where large labour force was available.
According to DAF, the high quality of the cabs built by DAF Vlaanderen was the reason why the fast-growing DAF company also moved the axle factory from Eindhoven to Westerlo in 1971. In 1985, DAF Vlaanderen saw further massive investment. A completely new factory for painting cabs was realised. The axle factory also witnessed significant innovation less than three years later, in order to guarantee highest quality and performance of the axles.
The long DAF history in Westerlo, Belgium
Going forward, more than €650 million has been invested in Westerlo in the past 10 years, primarily to support the completely new generation of trucks introduced recently. These are the first trucks on the market, developed from scratch, that meet the latest European vehicle masses and dimensions regulations. We’re referring to the DAF XD, XF, XG and XG+ models belonging to the so-called New Generation.
Today, the axles and cabs of the newest DAF electric truck range are also produced in Westerlo. Back ti numbers, in 2021, the 3 millionth axle produced in Westerlo came off the production line; this year, DAF Vlaanderen will manufacture its 1.5 millionth cab.
“Sixty years of production in Belgium is a tribute to the generations of employees who have built DAF in Westerlo into what it is today: an ultramodern, future-focused production site. And, of course, it is also a fantastic recognition for our 2,000 employees and 1,000 suppliers, including around 400 in Belgium,” stated Jos Habets, member of the DAF Board of Management and responsible for Production. “Thanks to their dedication and commitment, we are able to build trucks that lead the industry in terms of reliability, comfort, and quality. With our ongoing investments in DAF Trucks Vlaanderen N.V., our Belgian factory has a bright future ahead.”
