Dutch manufacturer will expand its Oakwood facility to increase advanced manufacturing and semiconductor equipment production capacity.
ATLANTA – (October 15, 2026) – VDL Groep plans to invest an estimated $77 million over the next several years to expand its operations in Hall County, Georgia, creating approximately 120 new jobs, Governor Brian P. Kemp announced.
The Netherlands-based mechanical engineering and equipment manufacturer will purchase and expand the building it currently leases at 5459 Aloha Way in Oakwood. The project will add large-milling capability and expand cleanroom space used to manufacture semiconductor capital equipment.
Construction is expected to be completed in 2028, with hiring anticipated to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026.
“Companies like VDL Groep not only continue to choose Georgia for an initial investment, they also choose to grow their footprint here again and again because of our pro-business environment and partnership approach,” said Governor Kemp.
Expanding Advanced Manufacturing and Semiconductor Capabilities
VDL Industries Gainesville, part of VDL Groep, develops and manufactures high-tech systems for customers in the semiconductor, food technology, mobility and infrastructure technology sectors.
The company currently employs approximately 70 people in Hall County, with capabilities in sheet metal fabrication, welding, machining and cleanroom system integration. Its expansion will build on those operations while increasing its ability to serve customers requiring precision manufacturing and controlled production environments.
Willem van der Leegte, president and CEO of VDL Groep, said the investment is part of the company’s broader commitment to employees, machinery and facilities across Europe, Asia and North America.
He identified Georgia’s connectivity to the broader U.S. market and the country’s high-tech and semiconductor ecosystem as key advantages supporting the company’s growth.
Hiring to Begin in Late 2026
VDL expects to recruit employees across a range of manufacturing, technical and business functions, including:
- Machining and welding
- Sheet metal fabrication
- Engineering
- Administrative support
- Maintenance
- Management
Interested applicants can find information about employment opportunities on the VDL Industries Gainesville careers page.
The approximately 120 new positions will expand the company’s local workforce as the Oakwood facility adds production capacity.
Hall County Workforce Partnerships Support Growth
The expansion reinforces Gainesville-Hall County’s role as a location for advanced manufacturing investment.
Tim Evans, president and CEO of the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce, said VDL’s decision reflects the strength of the region’s manufacturing ecosystem and its workforce development partnerships.
Those partnerships include Hall County and Gainesville City Schools, Lanier Technical College, Brenau University and the University of North Georgia, which help prepare workers for careers with growing manufacturers.
Evans said the project will deepen VDL’s presence in the community and create additional career opportunities for local residents.
Strengthening Georgia’s Dutch Investment Ties
The Georgia Department of Economic Development worked with the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce and Georgia Power on the expansion. Regional Project Manager Brandon Lounsbury represented the department.
GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson noted that VDL’s Oakwood manufacturing operation has contributed to Georgia’s relationship with the Netherlands for eight years.
According to the department, the Netherlands ranks among Georgia’s top five European trade and investment partners. Dutch investment announcements have brought more than $1 billion in planned investment and at least 2,400 planned new jobs to Georgia over the past decade.
VDL’s latest commitment adds to that relationship while expanding Hall County’s capacity to support high-tech manufacturing and semiconductor equipment production.
