Dutch mechanical engineering and equipment manufacturer VDL Groep (VDL) announced plans to invest approximately $77 million over the next several years to expand its footprint in Oakwood, Georgia. The company expects the project to create about 120 jobs.
VDL will purchase and expand the building it currently leases in Oakwood. The expansion will add large-milling capability and an expanded cleanroom for manufacturing semiconductor capital (semicap) equipment. Construction is expected to be completed in 2028, with hiring scheduled to begin in Q4 2026. The company will hire for roles in machining, welding, sheet metal fabrication, engineering positions, administrative support, maintenance and management.
“To facilitate and supply our customers worldwide, we invest in employees, machinery, and facilities at our locations across three continents (Europe, Asia, and America), including VDL Industries Gainesville,” VDL President & CEO Groep Willem van der Leegte said. “For VDL Groep, Georgia is an attractive base because of its connectivity to the entire U.S. The country is home to a thriving ecosystem, therefore making it one of the most strategically important markets with significant opportunities for Dutch high-tech companies like ours.”
VDL Industries Gainesville, part of Netherlands-based VDL Groep, is a turnkey partner in the development and manufacturing of high-tech systems. The company's combination of technical expertise and craftsmanship under one roof enables it to provide integral solutions in the high-tech semiconductor, foodtech, mobility and infratech sectors. Currently employing approximately 70 people in Hall County, VDL has already strengthened its position in sheet metal fabrication, welding, machining and cleanroom system integration.
Regional Project Manager Brandon Lounsbury represented the Georgia Department of Economic Development on this competitive project in partnership with the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce and Georgia Power.
“The Netherlands is one of Georgia’s top five trade and investment partners in Europe, and VDL Industries’ manufacturing facility in Oakwood has played a role in that story for eight years,” GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson said. “We are thrilled that they are part of Dutch investment bringing more than $1 billion and planning at least 2,400 new jobs over the last 10 years.”
