29.12.2004

VDL acquires Smits Spreaders

The VDL Groep B.V. of Eindhoven and Smits Spreader Systems B.V. located in Someren, both in the Netherlands, reached an agreement earlier this month for the sale of Smits Spreader Systems to VDL. The formal documents were signed last week.

Smits Spreader Systems has more than 30 years experience in developing, manufacturing, supplying, installing and servicing an extensive range of container / trailer handling equipment, largely spreaders for: Ship-to-Shore cranes, Gantry cranes, Mobile harbour cranes and Fork lift trucks, reach stackers etc.

Besides producing standard spreaders and rotators, Smits also develops and produces customised spreaders for specific types of handling.

Smits has 30 employees, and is known for producing quality products, which are sold around the world. VDL is taking over the entire business, retaining all staff, legal and commercial obligations etc.

VDL Groep, headquartered in Eindhoven, is an international company with more than 60 companies in 14 countries with over 4,700 employees and annual revenues in 2003 of €760 million up by over 50 percent in the past five years. Key activities include the design and production of metal and plastic components, as well as finished products such as bus chassis and coaches. One of its finished goods subsidiaries is VDL Containersystemen which produces similar container spreaders to those made by Smits.