VDL Weweler

Strength through co-operation

 VDL Weweler
Impro vi ng tran sportat ion through technology

Cost effectiveness, flexibility and reliability are some of the requirements

made by today’s automotive industry sector. This is why VDL Weweler, using

i n hou se mo dular d esi gn concept s, ha s de si gne d an d d ev el oped a c o m pl e t e

range of parabo lic spring s, semi trail er air s uspen si on system s, a u xilia r y m id

and tag ax les an d a dvance d “ state of the art” electroni c steer i n g s y st e m s.

Fl ex ib le system de si gns w hich can be appli ed to a full range of c o m m e r ci a l

v e h i c l e , p a ss e n g e r c o a c h a nd t r a il e r a p p li c a t i o n s . V D L W e w e l e r s y s t e m

s ol uti on s are d esi gne d wi th O.E .M ser ial prod uction an d speci a list m ediu m

vo lume ­a pp licat ion s in m ind . VDL Wew e ler system s are robu st a nd d e live r

reli abili ty an d cost effective operat ion for on hi ghw ay appli c a tio n s as

well a s in the most deman ding operati ng envi ronments .

VDL Weweler is a respected global
player in the automotive market sector,
traditionally as a manufacturer and supplier
of leaf and parabolic springs. Over the
past eighty years VDL Weweler has
become a technology leader in the design,
development and manufacture of systems
and components that deliver added value
to the road transport and automotive
sectors. The ISO certified manufacturing
facility in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands,
is a highly automated environment in
which robotics play an important role
in cost effective and reliable production.
Advanced logistics enable large Kanban
and Just in Time deliveries to the O.E.M
manufactures. Many of VDL Weweler’s
O.E.M customers view VDL Weweler as
an important R&D partner for their future
technological developments.

A UN IQUE RANGE OF M ID AND TAG AXLE S YS TEM S

The VDL Weweler Truck and Bus Division are renowned for their unique and technically
advanced range of auxiliary axles, suspensions and steering systems, which are manufactured in
Apeldoorn, the Netherlands. The patented cold formed SK design of mid axles offer application
flexibility that will accommodate most chassis drive lines and can be designed and shaped to fit
all applications and ride heights.

The truck and bus division also produces a complete range of tag axle solutions using the proven
concept of modular design. The systems, which are supplied pre-assembled and engineered for
specific applications, benefit from a range of fully integrated axle lifting systems. All VDL Weweler
­solutions can be specified with the manufacturers’ O.E.M original wheel end equipment or with
proprietary brakes.

E LECTRONIC STEER ING S Y STEMS

The VDL Weweler ETS range of steering systems represents technically advanced ‘state of the
art’ heavy duty electronic steering control systems. These systems can be used for steering mid
and tag axle solutions as well as semi-trailer applications with axle capacities of up to 11,000 Kg.
Suitable for steering one axle or a combination of axles, ETS steering systems offer key benefits
such as improved fuel economy, improved tyre life and vehicle manoeuvrability.

The VDL Weweler ETS systems offer the option of automatic axle centring for tag axle
applications, which ensures maximum vehicle safety in any possible failure condition.

The Truck and Bus division is highly customer focused and designs and develops complete auxiliary
axle solutions for O.E.M Commercial Vehicle and Bus manufacturers using the latest technologies
in axle and brake design, suspension performance and electronic steering systems. This combination
of advanced design and product integration make VDL Weweler a market leader and world
beater in this market sector!
UNI QUE SEM I TRA I LER AIR S US PEN SI ON S YS TEMS

VDL Weweler’s reputation has been built on the production of quality leaf and parabolic springs.
This has been further reinforced with the development of several variants of the modular
air suspension system principle. These systems have been fully developed and every detail
optimised. As a result, the systems require low maintenance and deliver reliability, long life cycles
and can be applied to a wide range of semi trailer applications. All VDL Weweler suspension
systems are characterised by the parabolic trailing arm, which acts as an integrated roll stabiliser
and as a guiding arm for the axle. The parabolic trailing arms are manufactured in-house, which
offers the assurance of maximum quality and process control for this essential product and
guarantees a long operational life. VDL Weweler is the only European spring manufacturer to
develop and manufacture their own range of air suspension system solutions.

MO DU LAR AN D FLEX I BLE SOL UTIONS

The VDL Weweler modular construction of air suspension systems are used by semi trailer
manufacturers around the world, ensuring compatibility regardless of axle type, size or brand.
This offers cost effective logistical and technical advantages for the vehicle manufacturer. VDL
Weweler air suspension systems can be integrated with most leading trailer axles and can be
applied to most chassis. By  using modular construction methods, VDL Weweler can achieve
efficient volume production, while also being flexible in meeting the demands for small and
medium volume specialised solutions and applications.
 DEV ELOPMENT AN D INNO V AT ION

VDL Weweler design engineers always

consider simple solutions first. Well
known examples in the semi trailer
market sectors include the Bolt-on® Axle
Lift systems, the Mega trailer Levelfix®
system, and the Splitter®. Experienced
and innovative product developers
utilise the latest software tools, including
design and calculation packages. Quality
is guaranteed due to simulation, extensive
testing and the use of assessment facilities.
During the initial design phases, both the
customer and VDL Weweler share the
common objective: of achieving a product
that will deliver maximum efficiency. To
enhance this relationship, VDL Weweler
exchanges technological knowledge and
experience with some of the major
­technology institutes, such as the TNO,
TÜV and RDW.

DE VELOPMENT AN D TES TING

VDL Weweler’s modern manufacturing process starts during the concept phase, which involves
simulations, fatigue analyses and life span calculations. Later, this is followed by actual fatigue life
testing of components and the complete systems, including all chassis parts. All the steps in this
process are targeted at realising the optimum reliability and service life for your VDL Weweler
systems.
VDL Groep
VDL Weweler is part of VDL Groep, an international company with more than 6,800
employees, spread over 97 subsidiaries in 16 countries. The strength of the co-operation
within VDL Groep offers added assurance in terms of continuity to customers and suppliers
of VDL Weweler alike.

VDL Weweler operates in the finished products division. This division comprises suspension
systems for the automotive industry, heating, cooling and air-technical systems, systems
for the oil, gas and petrochemical industry, production automation systems, systems for
the agricultural sector, sunbeds, roof boxes, container handling equipment, cigar-making
and packaging machines, components for bulkhandling and dust extraction installations and
systems for explosion and fire protection.

The other divisions are subcontracting and buses & coaches. In subcontracting, VDL
specialises in metalworking, mechatronic systems and system supply, plastics processing
and surface treatment. The bus & coach division includes chassis modules, coaches, public
transport buses, mini & midi buses and second-hand buses.

VDL Weweler bv

Kayersdijk 149
P.O. Box 142
7300 AC Apeldoorn
The Netherlands

Phone +31 (0)55 - 538 51 00

Fax +31 (0)55 - 538 51 93

www.vdlweweler.nl
info@vdlweweler.nl