A spreader installed in a mobile harbour crane at Port of Rauma, Finland.

VDL Groep has acquired Smits Spreader Systems BV, of Somoren, the Netherlands, a manufacturer and supplier of an extensive range of spreaders.

Smits' spreaders are used internationally in ship-to-shore cranes, gantry cranes, mobile harbour cranes, forklifts and reach stackers.

The company's 30 staff members, and all responsibilities, duties and obligations under existing service contracts, plus orders and outstanding quotations have been taken over by VDL.

According to a VDL statement, Smits' products were considered a good supplement to the product range of its subsidiary, VDL Containersystemen.

VDL Containersystemen and Smits operate in entirely different markets but share common development, manufacturing and purchasing areas. Hence, their operations will be merged.

Smits will relocate to the newly-built business premises of VDL Containersystemen in Hapert, the Netherlands.

VDL Containersystemen develops, manufactures and markets systems for loading and unloading containers on and off lorries.

VDL Groep is an international company with more than 4,700 employees in 60 subsidiaries in 14 countries. It has its head office in Eindhoven and designs and produces metal and plastic components and finished products.

When contacted, VDL would not reveal the purchase price for Smits.