About Lely

Making farmers’ lives easier

Back in 1948, our founding fathers, brothers Cornelis and Arij van der Lely, had only one goal: making farmers’ lives easier through innovation. We have been committed to innovation and supporting farmers in sustainable food production ever since. Today, we develop, design and manufacture automated systems and digital solutions for dairy farmers around the world. Supporting over 44,000 farmers in more than 50 countries.

KEY FIGURES GLOBAL HOME

  • 1948 the start

    1948 the start

    The year brothers Arij and Cornelis van der Lely laid the foundation for our family business.

  • 2.375 employees

    2.375 employees

    Passionate people working together to create innovations that make farmers’ lives easier.

  • 44.417 customers

    44.417 customers

    Dairy farmers around the world who trust our solutions and services to support their daily work. 

  • 50+ countries

    50+ countries

    A global presence that connects us with farmers across continents.

André van Troost

CEO Lely
For over 75 years, Lely has led the way in agricultural innovation. With a strong heritage and clear vision for the future, we contribute to shaping a sustainable, profitable and enjoyable future in farming.

Founded in 1948

Heritage

1948

The foundation

1948

The foundation

On 2 June 1948, Cornelis van der Lely’s first successful patent is registered for a finger wheel hay rake, the Lely Acrobat. It marks the foundation of our company.

1992

First Lely Astronaut in operation

1992

First Lely Astronaut in operation

Installation of the first prototype of the Lely Astronaut milking robots at two dairy farms in the Netherlands. The official market introduction followed in 1995.

2008

Automatic feed pusher

2008

Automatic feed pusher

Introduction of the Lely Juno automatic feed pusher. It marks a major step towards the automated supply of roughage to livestock. 

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