VDL Bus & Coach has announced that its bus plant in Roeselare, Flanders is now operational.
The site covers an area of 77,000 square metres and will be used for the serial production of the manufacturer’s new-generation Citea electric buses.
The foundation stone for the new bus plant was laid on 8 February 2022. After two years of construction, the site has now opened, with the ceremony attended by Flemish Prime Minister, Jan Jambon and Flemish Minister for Mobility, Lydia Peeters.
The building was designed with a strong focus on sustainability. It features underfloor heating and extensive ventilation systems to ensure efficient energy use. Solar panels have also been integrated into the design, making the plant largely self-sufficient in its energy needs.
Furthermore, a green roof contributes to the aesthetics of the building and acts as a natural insulator while aiding the biodiversity of the environment.
Rolf-Jan Zweep, CEO of VDL Bus & Coach said:We have a reliable network of production facilities, close to customers, with our own skilled workers who have been loyal to us for years, and with sustainable production methods. Our employees are highly qualified and use state-of-the-art technology to produce the electric buses of today and of the future.
The site’s production capacity is around 800 buses per annum. However, production of the new-generation Citea electric buses will be shared with VDL’s site in Valkenswaard to maximise the production capacity and increase flexibility.
