Specialist in industrial automation and motion control

In a basement under an old garage in Stolwijk, N.H. van Schelven Elektrotechniek (VSE) started in 1974. In the decades that followed, the one-man business managed to develop under the name VSE Industrial Automation into a full-fledged and renowned specialist in the field of electrical controls and drives. On September 16, 2024, the company, which now operates out of Schoonhoven, will celebrate its 50th anniversary. "A wonderful milestone that we will appropriately celebrate with our valued business relations and employees," says commercial manager Radboud van Dusseldorp on behalf of the expert in industrial automation and motion control.

A lot has happened within the corporate walls of VSE since its inception in the mid-1970s. However, one thing has remained the same to this day. And that is the customer-oriented and consistent translation of the existing knowledge and expertise into innovative, high-quality total solutions for the infrastructure sector, construction and industry. "Under our motto 'Engineering the future, powered by smart energy,' we are happy to continue along this line for the next 50 years," Radboud looks ahead. "We will continue to contribute to a sustainable, circular society with our products and services. Today, but also tomorrow. As a project organization, we have everything we need in-house in the field of control and drive technology. This allows us to serve a wide range of clients from many market segments with smarter, greener and more sustainable products and services. Solutions that are increasingly needed within our digital world. The demand for dynamic energy supplies is constantly increasing. At the same time, we are increasingly confronted with the limitations of the existing grid infrastructure. While the desired applications and technologies are becoming increasingly complex and the customer more demanding. It is precisely at this intersection of developments that we are at our best and our added value is greatest. With high-end software and hardware solutions developed in-house that work. But also with great service and a proactive approach, in which working on a project basis, cooperating and entering into partnerships are central."

Proven quality and safety

VSE Industrial Automation has achieved a nice collection of certifications and standards over the years. "As a specialist in high-end engineering and motion control, we set the highest standards for our people, services and service," said Radboud. "The basis for this is formed by various certificates, such as ISO 9001, VCA/VCA**, the CO2 Performance Ladder, UL508A and the Safety Culture Ladder step 2. They are not only proof of the fact that we master our work to perfection, but also that we deliver our craftsmanship in a responsible and safe manner."

Practice successes

With half a century of history behind it, there is no shortage of success stories (see also boxed text) at VSE Industrial Automation. On vse.nl, several have been recorded in words and pictures. Practical cases that boldly underline the broad playing field and expertise of the company of 45 specialists.   

Highlights

Over the years, VSE Industrial Automation has signed for a large number of control and drive solutions in both the infrastructure, construction and industrial sectors. Here are a few highlights:

2012: Ramspol bridge fully energy-neutral 
VSE took care of the complete control and energy-neutral automation of the new Ramspol bridge in Ens for Vialis. The two electric motors that open and close the bridge also work as a generator. The energy released when braking the movable valve is stored in batteries and returned to the grid. In addition to the drive for the motors that open and close the road surface, VSE also supplied the equalization control for the bridge. This keeps the bridge deck exactly straight when the bridge opens and closes. 

2014: Overhaul tow truck deep water tank
For the Dutch Maritime Research Institute MARIN, VSE overhauled the tow truck in the deep-water tank. Specifically, the drives had to be renewed and the controls simplified. The technical challenge was great. For example, the 35-ton tow truck must accelerate to 9 meters per second within 10 seconds and then come to a controlled stop. Compare it to a truck that has to make the movement of a CNC machine. "Easy to operate and super that it brakes better and later," said measurement engineer Richard Joosten. "The truck, which dates back to 1933, can look
20 years against it." 

2019: Production line for four sizes of GeoCeramica® tiles
As a specialist in industrial automation and motion control, VSE was involved in this project for MBI from the very beginning by J&V Techniek. For the control system, 35 servomotors and SINAMICS S120 controllers from Siemens were used in combination with the SIMOTION motion control system. The results are impressive. The machine runs quietly, accurately and reliably. In order to further expand capacity, a further line of energy-efficient synchronous reluctance motors with even higher speeds and shorter changeover times has now been completed.

These include energy-efficient control systems for bridges, locks, pumping stations and dikes within the infrastructure sector. Within automation and around the electrification of heavy earthmoving machines, aggregates and other types of construction equipment, among others, VSE achieved equally good results. Special mention should be made of the projects that helped various industrial players to reduce energy and limit connection capacities. It is clear: whatever the question, need or reason, an integrated and project-based solution is always close at hand with VSE. And there will be no change in that, according to Radboud. "Our focus is and will remain infrastructure, construction and industry. In the future, however, we will focus even more on energy-related matters. When you look, for example, at the number of artworks that will need to be renovated in the coming years, we as motion experts can play an important role in this. Especially when it comes to sustainability. Furthermore, against the backdrop of existing grid congestion, we are able to make a substantial contribution to the development of energy-neutral solutions. But you can also think in that context about facilities for absorbing energy peaks. Or the storage of power generated using solar panels and wind turbines, a topic that, incidentally, will be the focus of a seminar we will be organizing with Siemens in spring 2025. For that, too, you've come to the right place. Whatever the challenge, we are happy to help you use the available energy more effectively and responsibly." 

All disciplines in-house

Implementing projects in the field of industrial automation and motion control requires various disciplines. VSE Industrial Automation has them all in-house. Together, the software and hardware engineers, project managers, work planners, panel builders, commissioning engineers, and field service engineers can supervise projects from start to finish. By sharing knowledge, ideas and experience, they ensure a short lead time and a (cost) efficient realization. VSE thinks along with clients as a team and relieves them in all areas.  

Hardware engineering
The hardware engineers at VSE Industrial Automation form a close-knit team of enthusiastic technicians. They are involved in projects from beginning to end and have experience with various systems. They make electrical and control drawings based on the specifications and draw up the documentation. They take into account the (inter)national applicable standards and guidelines.

Software engineering
VSE's software engineers have knowledge of and experience with control and automation technology from a variety of A-grade suppliers, including Siemens, Rockwell Automation, IFM, Omron and Lenze. 

Project Management 
VSE manages projects according to the V-model. This balances development and verification and ensures the quality of work towards the clients.

Mechanical engineering
VSE's mechanical engineers bridge the gap between the hardware and software designers They work closely with the machine builder involved and can take care of part of the drawing work for him, if required. 

Panel Building
VSE has a modern workshop for the construction of switchboards and control panels. The customer can provide his own design, or use a design made by VSE.

Work Preparation
VSE's work planners are the link between hardware engineers and panel builders. They ensure the proper transfer of hardware schematics to the workshop. 

Commissioning engineering
VSE's commissioning engineers handle commissioning at customers around the world. They ensure that everything functions perfectly.

Service
The systems that VSE makes for its customers must continue to function flawlessly after commissioning. The field service engineers take care of this in coordination with their colleagues in the office.