VDL ETG's journey goes back to 1900 when the company was founded as Philips Machinefabrieken. The company supplied mechanisation equipment, metals and sheet metal parts for Philips' product divisions.

As Philips expanded its activities in the science and industry sector, the company transformed into a manufacturing partner for mechatronic systems. During this period, relationships were built with companies that are now market leaders, such as ASML, ThermoFisher and Philips Healthcare.

Philips Machinefabrieken not only provided integrated solutions to Philips itself, but also to a global customer base. Thus, the company evolved and gained international recognition.

The name Machine Factories no longer sufficed due to the diversity of activities and was not suitable internationally, hence a new name. Philips Enabling Technologies Group emerged as an independent business unit within Philips and focused on developing advanced systems and components for the semiconductor industry. This marked a shift from a manufacturing company to a development-oriented entity with expertise in complex systems integration.

Growing customer demand for development support led to the creation of a dedicated Technology & Development (T&D) department.

VDL Groep acquires Philips' business under the name VDL Enabling Technologies Group (VDL ETG). This acquisition enabled VDL ETG to develop further and expand, supported by the financial strength of VDL Groep.

In 2015, VDL ETG expanded its global presence through strategic acquisitions. One of these was TEL Mechatronics, now VDL ETG Switzerland, which was a seamless fit with VDL ETG's systems integration for high-quality capital goods. In this way, the company strengthened its global reach. Another acquisition was GL Precision, founded by Gerard van der Leegte (brother of Wim van der Leegte). This company merged into VDL GL Precision, strengthening VDL ETG's expertise, capabilities and reputation in precision machining.

VDL ETG continues to grow and is increasingly recognised as a leading player in the high-tech industry, with customers all over the world.

With its origins in the semiconductor, medical and analytical industries, VDL ETG has diversified its expertise and expanded into new sectors, including aerospace technology.

Responding to the increasing demand for Technology & Development departments, VDL ETG's branches in Singapore and Switzerland achieved significant growth by establishing new T&D departments, in line with the company's global expansion strategy.