VDL Groep helps to make Demcon artificial respiration systems

Because of a sharp rise in demand for artificial respiration equipment as a result of the coronavirus, Demcon ramped up production considerably. To that end, the number of production lines was scaled up, among other things, and it intensified its collaboration with suppliers such as VDL Groep.

During the past few weeks, employees of VDL ETG Precision, VDL Laktechniek and VDL Industrial Modules worked hard on parts of Demcair, as the system is called. VDL ETG Precision manufactured all of the required precision turning and milling parts and this VDL company also helps out with the assembly of the systems at Demcon. VDL Industrial Modules took care of metal sheet engineering and in a very short space of time, it also took on the design, prototype and industrialisation of various subsequent series. VDL Laktechniek, experts in applying specialist coatings, will apply

various finishes on the stainless steel casing and it also printed logos and names of various connections by means of serigraphy.

“Our contribution to Demcon’s artificial respiration systems is a wonderful example of strength through co-operation”, Willem van der Leegte, president and CEO of VDL Groep explains. “Thanks to all our in-house expertise, our companies have contributed to the fantastically fast deliveries to the hospitals. Apart from that, it is, of course, also magnificent to make such an important contribution to systems that have a big impact on the recovery of patients who are hit hard by the coronavirus.”

Normally, the manufacturing process of medical equipment, including clinical research and certification, would take a year, easily. There were just over three weeks between Demcon starting its preparations, the ministry’s instruction to supply the first 500 devices, successful clinical tests on several patients in three different hospitals and the delivery of the first devices. The first version of the entire system was relatively simple for the sake of such high demand. Right now, engineers are working on a second, more comprehensive version that offers more treatment options.

Heart-warming

Demcon’s entire artificial respiration system contains more than 200 different components, including the central module. Dennis Schipper, Executive Vice President of Demcon: “We buy them from a large number of suppliers. Like our other suppliers, VDL has used all its creativity to ensure a steady supply of

components under immense time pressure. The support we’ve received from everyone is heart-warming.”

About VDL Groep

Strength through co-operation. This forms
the basis of the VDL Groep, an international industrial family business with its head office in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. This business was established in 1953 by Pieter van der Leegte. Initially, VDL Groep specialised in metalworking. When son Wim van der Leegte took over the business in 1966, the portfolio was expanded to include plastics processing, the development, production and sale of buses & coaches, and high-tech subcontracting for the semiconductor industry and other industries. VDL Groep is a major player in the fields of subcontracting and semi- finished products and manufactures its own finished products, such as suspension systems, automated car plant systems, heat exchangers and container handling equipment. With VDL Nedcar in Born, it has the only car plant in the Netherlands where serial assembly for third parties takes place.

VDL Groep innovates through a combination of professionalism, entrepreneurship and high-quality machines. The group of companies combines the strength of a multinational with the flat organisation and open, informal working atmosphere of a family business where growth opportunities and continuity take precedence. The third Van der Leegte family generation has been at the group's helm since 2016. With approximately 17,000 employees, the VDL Groep operates in 20 countries. The group comprises 104 operating companies, each with its own specialism, that work together intensively. In 2019, VDL's combined annual sales amounted to 5.780 billion euros. More information: www.vdlgroep.com