The appointment of Dr. Theresa Spaan-Burke is especially meaningful for IBS. Her role as Chair reflects both the growing importance of the Benelux region in European mechanical engineering and IBS’s active contribution to the future of the sector. Commenting on her election, Dr. Theresa Spaan-Burke: "The VDMA supports machinery and equipment manufacturing companies in succeeding in these challenging geopolitical times by combining various strengths in a large network. The opportunity to work with colleagues to further expand this network in the Benelux region, with its strategic location, first-class infrastructure and high innovation potential, is a great privilege."
As a company active in precision engineering, metrology and motion systems, IBS sees strong value in building closer connections across the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg. The Benelux region has a high concentration of innovative machine builders and technology suppliers and this new platform creates new opportunities to share knowledge, address common challenges and strengthen the industry together.
Hans van Reusel, CEO of IPTE Factory Automation NV (BE), and Philippe Alzin, director of global sales at the CERATIZIT S.A. (LUX), were appointed vice chairs. "Our board members are a diverse mix of entrepreneurs from Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg and they ensure that we have excellent regional and cross-sector coverage of the Benelux machine industry," says Arjan Schmits, Managing Director of VDMA Benelux.
Schmits continues: “Europe and the EU are of utmost importance for our members, as a single domestic market, as a rule-setter, as a community of values and a key global player. In particular in times of global turmoil and rapid change, the challenges the entrepreneurs face and industry encounters can’t be solved on national level(s) alone. To strengthen and ensure Europe’s competitiveness as well as machinery industry base, actions are needed”.
At IBS, we believe that progress in precision engineering depends not only on technological innovation, but also on strong networks. Joining forces through VDMA Benelux supports our ambition to remain closely connected to developments in advanced manufacturing and to the needs of machine builders and OEMs throughout the region.
We congratulate all board members on this important milestone and look forward to contributing to a strong and connected machinery industry in the Benelux.