VDL TBP Electronics celebrates 50 years of high-tech innovation: A milestone to be proud of

In 2026, VDL TBP Electronics will celebrate its fiftieth anniversary, a special anniversary for this EMS company within VDL Groep. What began in 1976 as Technisch Bureau Plooy, later renamed tbp electronics, has grown over the past half century into a leading high-tech player with locations in Dirksland, at the Brainport Industries Campus in Eindhoven, and with sister company VDL Rena Electronica in Zundert. A company built on expertise, collaboration, and continuous innovation.
Director Kees du Pree looks back and forward with pride. "It's so special to be able to help the company where I started my career into the next fifty years. Several colleagues have even been working here for over forty years, doesn't that say it all?"

A company with a unique position within VDL Groep
VDL TBP Electronics is unique within the VDL family: together with VDL Rena Electronica and VDL Sintecs, the company is fully specialized in Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS). Together, the trio forms a powerful one-stop shop for delivering mission-critical systems. All services are provided on board: electronics development, assembly, and test solutions are delivered to clients in the market segments:

• energy & industry
• lighting
• science & health
• semiconductor & analytics
• vision, security & space.

Kees: “Our roots locatio are in a family business, and that feeling has never gone away. This way of working together makes us strong, both within our own organization and within VDL Groep.”
Over the years, we have invested heavily in modern machinery, smart automation, and new technologies. This continuous drive for improvement forms the foundation for the future: greater efficiency, more data-driven work, and the smart use of technologies like AI within processes.

50 years of movement: from founder Ton Plooy to high-tech today
The history of VDL TBP Electronics has seen many milestones. One of them is the realization of the modern building in Dirksland, a vision of founder Ton Plooy that has driven the company's growth for years.
Movement is also a constant today. The expansion to three locations, the collaboration with VDL Rena Electronica and VDL Sintecs, and the strengthening of knowledge within VDL Groep demonstrate how the organization continues to develop in an ever-changing market.
"Electronics is in everything around us," says Kees. "From eye surgery robots to rocket launch platforms. Without printed circuit boards, nothing works. That realization motivates us every day."

The people behind the technology
Behind fifty years of VDL TBP Electronics lies the result of craftsmanship, the dedication, and the commitment of hundreds of colleagues who have formed the foundation over the years. From operators and test engineers to planners, buyers and salespeople, developers, drivers, quality specialists, warehouse teams, facilities colleagues, and everyone who makes a difference every day in the office or on the production floor. Together, they have made the company what it is today. A thriving and growing high-tech company where knowledge, teamwork, and loyalty go hand in hand, with colleagues who have sometimes been working towards the same mission for over forty years.

Kees also sees himself as part of this shared endeavor. Anyone who meets him sees not only a director in a dynamic industry, but also a family man who enjoys mountain biking, music, and spending time with his family. His career began "by chance," as he puts it, but his passion quickly grew. He has now worked in the electronics industry for fifteen years and has led the two companies, VDL TBP Electronics and VDL Rena Electronica, since 2025. "It's sometimes survival of the fittest," he says with a wink, "but thanks to our teams, the knowledge we have here, and the way we strengthen each other, you always stay on course. Together, you're stronger than ever."

INVITATION: CELEBRATION OPEN DAY ON JULY 4, 2026
To celebrate our 50th anniversary, we're proudly opening the doors of our location in Dirksland on Saturday, July 4, 2026. From 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, everyone - colleagues, friends, family, job seekers, business associates, and neighbors - is welcome to take a look behind the scenes.

• discover the high-tech assembly facilities on our production floor
• solder your own gadget (for younger visitors, accompanied by an adult)
• meet our colleagues
• visit the application desk
• dive into 50 years of electronics history
• various fun outdoor activities on the premises
• enjoy festive activities for all ages
• of course, there will always be food and drinks in and around the building

Kees: "We're going to make it something beautiful, interesting, and festive for all generations. I hope everyone comes!"

Together we create the future
With fifty years of experience and a clear vision of the future, VDL TBP Electronics is stronger than ever. Innovation, collaboration, and craftsmanship are still at the core, just as it all began fifty years ago.

After its founding in 1976, tbp electronics quickly grew into a thriving company. By 1982, the production facility in Stellendam was already producing high-quality electronics.