A royal visit to AWL-Techniek

On Tuesday morning, March 12, His Majesty King Willem-Alexander paid a working visit to AWL-Techniek in Harderwijk within the framework of the manufacturing industry. AWL-Techniek is a worldwide partner for automated joining solutions. After a warm welcome, the King was given a tour by Brand van ’t Hof, CEO of AWL. The visit was about the technological developments of AWL and education.

The working visit started in AWL's assembly hall. There, King Willem-Alexander entered into discussions with AWL employees to talk about their career development at the machine builder that originates from the Veluwe region. Afterwards, the route continued past three projects to give the King a greater insight into the high-tech work of AWL; from robotized welding machines for the automotive industry to the logistics handling of fencing. These automated production systems were all presented by AWL employees.

The King ended the working visit with a tour through AWL's Experience Center. Here, among other things, reliable applications are realized based on the newest technologies. The King subsequently talked to students, employees of the Research & Development department and Jacques de Groot of De Techniek Academy. Everyone told passionately about his or her project at and cooperation with AWL.

Van ’t Hof: “It was a good opportunity to present AWL to His Majesty the King in this way. The King's visit falls within our 25th anniversary, which for us makes the anniversary year complete. It is a good thing that the manufacturing industry is an important topic on the agenda this year and that we were on the King's visiting list. I think I can say on behalf of all employees that we are extremely proud that he came to us.”