Netherlands-Based VDL Groep Expands Oakwood, Georgia, Operations

Area Development News Desk

10/17/2026

Netherlands-based mechanical engineering and equipment manufacturer VDL Groep plans to expand its operations in Oakwood, Georgia. The approximately $77 million project is expected to create 120 jobs in Hall County.

The investment will include the purchase of the company’s existing facility at 5459 Aloha Way, the addition of large-scale milling capabilities, and an expanded cleanroom for semiconductor equipment manufacturing.

“For VDL Groep, the State of Georgia is an attractive base because of its connectivity to the entire U.S., which is a world leader in the high-tech and semiconductor market. 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,” said VDL Groep President and CEO Willem van der Leegte. “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.”

Regional Project Manager Brandon Lounsbury represented the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) on the 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,” noted GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “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. In turn, Georgia prides itself on being a reliable partner with a strategic location offering connectivity, workforce, and shovel-ready sites that companies need to scale up local-to-local manufacturing.”

VDL Groep specializes in the development and manufacturing of high-tech systems, industrial equipment and engineered components. The company provides sheet metal fabrication, precision machining, welding and cleanroom system integration for the semiconductor, food technology, mobility and infrastructure industries.

“VDL Industries Gainesville’s decision to make this significant investment in Oakwood is a strong endorsement of the advanced manufacturing ecosystem that we’ve built in Gainesville-Hall County,” added Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tim Evans. “Their expansion also demonstrates the importance of our workforce development partnerships with Hall County and Gainesville City Schools, Lanier Technical College, Brenau University, and the University of North Georgia in preparing the skilled talent that growing manufacturers like VDL need to succeed. We’re proud to see VDL deepen its roots here and create new career opportunities for our community.”

Recent Project Announcements

Lockheed Martin Expands Douglas County-Jefferson County, Colorado, Operations

10/17/2026

M.C. Dean Expands Caroline County, Virginia, Manufacturing Operations

10/17/2026