How WDP re:GEN transforms a region into a future-ready industrial hub
Building the industry of tomorrow
WDP and HMO today announce re:GEN: a strategic programme to redevelop industrial sites in Overijssel, The Netherlands. In a country where space for industry is increasingly scarce, re:GEN focuses on future‑proofing existing sites — supporting a strong manufacturing base, additional employment, and lower environmental impact. WDP & HMO are building the industry of tomorrow.
The challenge
Prosperity requires space for industry — used smarter. Economic activity accounts for only 2.5% of the Netherlands’ land area. As spatial pressure grows, that share must not decline. Instead of opening up new land, re:GEN optimises what already exists: more efficient use, more attractive business locations, and accelerated sustainability.
What re:GEN delivers
- Smart re‑industrialisation: transforming outdated or underutilised industrial areas into modern, high‑performance production environments.
- Productivity and jobs: creating space for growth, supply‑chain clustering, and resilient employment across the region.
- Sustainability at scale: lifting energy performance, reducing water and resource consumption, and directly contributing to climate goals.
Flagships anchoring Overijssel’s industrial future
- Scania in Zwolle: roughly 60% of all Scania trucks worldwide are produced here. Area development creates additional space for logistics, truck assembly, and suppliers — positioning Zwolle as a hub for sustainable transport.
- TenCate Grass in Nijverdal: intertwined with the region for over a century. The site will be redeveloped by revitalising existing industrial real estate and constructing a new factory. The site shifts from an outdated environment to an attractive, identity‑rich campus — safeguarding around 300 jobs and creating 50 – 100 additional indirect jobs across the supply chain.
The right company in the right place
Redevelopment is about precision: placing the right enterprise in the right location while optimally using existing space. Under HMO’s direction, studies identified how targeted revitalisation and selective newbuild unlock capacity where companies belong and can continue to grow.
Sustainability built‑in, not bolted‑on
Re:GEN makes ageing locations future‑ready and economically sound:
- Energy and water efficiency: TenCate Grass’s new factory will significantly reduce water and energy use.
- More efficient production: Scania invests in productivity and process improvements for truck manufacturing.
- Climate contribution: multiple land use, smarter processes, renewable energy, lower water consumption, and reduced CO2 emissions directly support the Climate Agreement targets.
Regeneration with the region at the centre
re:GEN stands for “regeneration”: breathing new life into existing industrial ecosystems and creating room for renewal and expansion. Not a blank slate, but building on what is there — with respect for local roots and the economic and societal fabric. Say it aloud and you hear “region”: this programme is about Overijssel, about established companies with big ambitions, and the people who live and work here.
re:GEN proves you don’t need more land to increase industrial strength — you need smarter land. Together with HMO, we elevate existing sites to a higher, sustainable performance level that anchors jobs and competitiveness.
Discover the project!
Discover our project hub now — explore milestones, behind‑the‑scenes insights, and what’s coming next. Visit the dedicated website and stay effortlessly up to date as progress unfolds.