DAF Trucks marks 60 years of Belgian production, highlights €650M investment
DAF Trucks Vlaanderen commemorates 60 years of manufacturing in Belgium, having invested over €650 million in the past decade and earning 'Factory of the Future' recognition.
2,000
400
1.5 million (by 2026)
What Happened
DAF Trucks began production in Oevel, Belgium, on May 5, 1966, with truck cabs. Over six decades, the site expanded to include axle manufacturing in 1971 and a state-of-the-art paint shop in 1985. Recent investments of more than €650 million have automated cab and axle production, introduced a new paint shop with 50% lower emissions, and enabled production of electric truck models. The plant now employs 2,000 people and works with 400 Belgian suppliers.
First four truck cabs produced on May 5; factory operational.
Axle production transferred from Eindhoven to Westerlo.
New environmentally friendly cab paint shop opens.
3 millionth axle produced in Westerlo.
Awarded 'Factory of the Future' by Agoria.
“Sixty years of production in Belgium is a tribute to the generations of employees who have built DAF in Westerlo into what it is today: an ultramodern, future-focused production site. And, of course, it is also a fantastic recognition for our 2,000 employees and 1,000 suppliers, including around 400 in Belgium.”
€650 millionEuros
Primarily to support new generation of DAF trucks and advanced manufacturing technologies.
Why this matters
The milestone shows how sustained investment in automation, sustainability, and local supply chains keeps the Westerlo plant among Europe's most advanced truck facilities, supporting DAF's global production network.
Terms in This Story
- Factory of the Future
- An award by the Belgian technology federation Agoria recognizing advanced manufacturing, innovation, and sustainability.
- Just-in-time
- A production system where parts are delivered exactly when needed, reducing inventory.
- Body-in-white
- The stage in auto manufacturing where the car body's sheet metal components are welded together before painting.
- PACCAR Production System
- A manufacturing philosophy emphasizing continuous improvement and employee-driven efficiency.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.