Innovation in the manufacturing industry
Thanks to its strategic location close to Germany, Belgium, and on the waters of the Maas, Venlo has a rich history as a manufacturing and trading city. Venlo residents are people who have been devising, producing, and trading solutions since the Middle Ages. Always with an eye on the future: how can we approach something even smarter, faster, or more sustainably? The power of creation and innovation is deeply embedded in Venlo's DNA, making us global players in the manufacturing industry. We are 'gruuëts' (proud) of that!
Learning and working in the Venlo manufacturing industry
Venlo is the perfect location to kickstart your career in the manufacturing industry or to take it to a higher level. Most manufacturing companies have job openings and offer various training and development opportunities. Are you at the beginning of your career and see a future in the manufacturing industry? Since 2025, you can find the Center for Engineering Manufacturing Industry (CEM) in Venlo, a collaboration between Fontys University of Applied Sciences and Gilde Opleidingen. The CEM focuses on training and retraining professionals in the manufacturing industry, with a focus on the sub-sectors of mechatronics, engineering, metal technology, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering.
The Land of the Makers
The manufacturing industry in North Limburg consists of nearly 300 manufacturing companies and contributes to the Gross Regional Product (GRP) with €7.63 billion: one-third of the total GRP. North Limburg manufacturing companies unite in a regional collaboration under the name "Het Land van de Makers." Affiliated companies work together to put North Limburg companies on the map within the manufacturing industry. "Het Land van de Makers" is an initiative of Rabobank, Canon Production Printing, Technovalley Limburg, and Crossroads Limburg. Read more on the website of Het Land van de Makers.
5 Venlo innovations by entrepreneurs in the manufacturing industry
In Venlo, we don't like to sit still. We want to take a step forward every day because we know: the future doesn't wait! We brainstorm, experiment, create, and improve. We innovate because that prepares us for the future. Get inspired by these 5 Venlo innovators in the manufacturing industry:
SAM Panels from Venlo uses fibers from, among others, roadside grass, hemp dust, elephant grass, label paper, and even old jeans, as raw materials for making construction panels. Non-toxic and 100% natural. For more information, visit the website of SAM Panels.
ColorFabb from Belfeld has been pioneering since 2012 in the production of high-quality, sustainable filaments: the base material with which 3D printers build objects. 3D printing has experienced tremendous growth in recent years, and colorFabb grew along with it. The company is now developing sustainable and biodegradable filaments, for example, from PHA. For more information, visit the colorFabb website.
The Jekill and Hyde Company from Belfeld makes electronically adjustable exhaust systems for motorcycles. Motorcyclists can customize their own sound, which fully complies with all emission and noise regulations. The research and development team of this company designs, develops, and tests the exhaust systems, which are then exported worldwide. For more information, visit the website of The Jekill and Hyde Company.
Royal Dutch Kusters Engineering from Venlo develops and builds machines that destroy valuable items such as banknotes, coins, and secure documents. In the development of these machines, there is a strong focus on sustainability. For example, Kusters Engineering creates machines that extract water from wet organic waste streams and convert it into fibers for other applications. With projects in 85 different countries, this company is a global showcase for the manufacturing industry in Venlo! For more information, visit the Kusters Engineering website.
Mifa is a specialist in aluminum extrusion profiles. From Blerick, this company produces fully finished precision products. This precision in aluminum profiles offers unprecedented possibilities, such as saving on production costs or reducing CO2 emissions. For more information, visit the Mifa website.