World-wide networkVSL is a leader in the field of specialist construction engineering and associated technologies and services. Well proven systems and sound in-house engineering have founded the Group’s reputation for innovative conceptual designs and engineering solutions, for reliability, quality and efficiency.VSL is a solution network organized around locally-based subsidiaries providing modern and cost-effective consstruction technologies, which are developed and updated by centralized expert R&D and technical teams.VSL operates through 50 locations as a world-wide network, including production facilities. With 4,100 employees, including 900 engineers and technicians, VSL provides technical consultancy and support for the full range of works from project planning to complete final design, construction engineering and on-site activities.Expertise is a key issue: VSL foremen, supervisors and site managers go through centralised training in the VSL Academy where they are given best practice in all aspects of post-tensioning and other VSL capabilities.VSL is a multi discipline construction partner, capable of providing clients with innovative practical designs and construction solutions adapted to suit the local market.The group has adapted post-tensioning principles to civil structures such as LNG tanks, reservoirs, plants, tunnels, off-shore platforms, concrete floating barges dams and stay cables. VSL Dampers mitigate vibrations in stay-cable bridges and buildings.In addition to post-tensioning and stay cables, the group's scope of works covers precasting and segmental bridge erection launching gantries, formwork systems, repair works, rock and soil anchors, bearings, retained earth walls, heavy lifting, monitoring, geotechnics and deep foundations.Creative solutionsFor more than 50 years, VSL has been contributing to some of the most prestigious and complex concrete structures. These include the fast-track precast and erection of segments for bridges and viaducts such as the LRT in Dubai, stay-cable bridge projects, like the record breaking Baluarte Bridge in Mexico, and the heavy lifting of the antenna of the Burj Khalifa, the highest building in the world. VSL undertakes strong and successful R&D.The demonstration of VSL’s enhanced post-tensioning solutions for nuclear applications lead to the award of a contract for the construction of a nuclear power plant in St. Petersburg, Russia. In 2012, the VSL budget for R&D projects amounts to €3.1 million and VSL owns 32 patents. The recent creation of specific departments for Offshore solutions, Wind turbine construction and Infrastructure protection allows VSL to propose relevant solutions for these markets.Reliable partnerVSL’s Major Project division provides skilled and trained staff with a core of 100 bridge specialists, two experienced technical centres, an ability to benchmark new methods, new equipment and new materials; and specialist equipment designed as modular as possible for reuse in different configurations.VSL is also committed to offering innovative contracting approaches: this enables VSL and the contractor to focus on what is “best for project”. Recent examples are alliancing for important civil works projects, such as the Second Gateway Bridge in Australia or the Newmarket viaduct replacement in Auckland, New Zealand, for the Hodariyat Bridge in Abu Dhabi and the Hongkong – Zhuhai – Macao Bridge: VSL is member of the Joint Venture in charge of the design and construction.