Why more international companies are choosing Lelystad: the Kobelco story
For international companies looking for space, accessibility and growth opportunities, Lelystad is becoming an increasingly attractive business location. A strong example is Kobelco Construction Machinery Europe (KCME), the European headquarters of the Japanese construction machinery manufacturer, which recently relocated from Almere to a brand-new facility in Lelystad. According to General Manager Human Resources & Corporate Affairs Karin van Dijk, that decision was anything but coincidental.
Room to grow
Kobelco’s search for a new business location started when the company realised it had outgrown its facility in Almere. Initially, the company focused on staying there, Karin explains.
“We were already established in Almere, so naturally that seemed like the easiest option at first.”
However, finding a suitable location in Almere proved difficult. Available plots were either too small or already unavailable. That prompted KCME to expand its search area. Lelystad quickly stood out as the ideal solution, offering both sufficient space and strong logistics accessibility.
Once the plans for the new development in Lelystad became final, Karin became closely involved in the project.
“I was originally hired as HR manager, but soon I was asked whether I would like to help manage the project as well. I really liked that challenge.”
Strong cooperation with the municipality of Lelystad
KCME moved forward with purchasing the land, organising tenders and coordinating closely with the municipality of Lelystad. Karin looks back very positively on that collaboration.
“They really made an effort. Whenever we needed something, we could contact them and they responded immediately.”
The result was a completely new facility on a large site in Lelystad. The available space was fully utilised. Besides a modern office and warehouse, the site now includes a tech center, showroom and a dedicated demonstration area where customers from across Europe can experience Kobelco machinery in action.
“When you realise that in Almere we only had an office and warehouse, this is a huge step forward,” Karin says proudly.
A strategic location for international business
In addition to space, accessibility played a major role in the decision. Lelystad is centrally located in the Netherlands, close to the Randstad region, but without the limitations and high land prices often found there. Via the A6 motorway, Amsterdam, Utrecht and the north of the Netherlands are easily accessible, while airports, seaports and logistics hubs are also within easy reach.
For Kobelco, which regularly welcomes customers and dealers from across Europe, that location offers clear advantages. The proximity of Lelystad Airport also contributed to the decision. Although the airport is still awaiting further development, Kobelco already recognised its future potential.
Building sustainably with a long-term vision
Sustainability played an important role from the earliest design stages. The new facility was developed with the future in mind.
“We really built according to the latest environmental standards,” Karin explains. “That includes solar panels, green roofs, but also bat boxes, beehives and facilities that allow wildlife to live safely around the site.”
According to Karin, this sustainable approach aligns perfectly with the company’s long-term vision.
“You are not just building a facility for today, but for the next thirty years.”
Lelystad as a European base
For Kobelco, Lelystad has become much more than just a new location. It has evolved into the company’s European base for welcoming customers, training dealers and showcasing new technologies.
Karin says the company truly feels at home in Lelystad and would like to give something back to the city in the future. How exactly is still being considered.
“Maybe in the future we will invite schools to visit so students can learn more about technology. Or perhaps we will organise an open day,” Karin says. “In any case, we would like to give something back to Lelystad.”
