Our history

Founded after the invention of the finger wheel rake.

A uniquely designed tedder tine which turns crop faster and evenly is created.

This cutter bar contains far fewer gears than any other cutter bar, which results in outstanding output and saving on fuel.

A prototype of the Lely Astronaut milking robot is introduced. Farmers acknowledge this as the most important invention of the 20^th century for dairy farmers.

The tedder was the world’s largest for decades in terms of tedding output and quality.

A new century has arrived and it too is full of innovations and smart technologies. The Lely Astronaut A2 Evolution, including a static teat detection system and renewed vacuum system, is launched.

The world’s largest 2-rotor central delivery rake is introduced.

Lely offers a state-of-the-art design with advanced milking robot technology to ensure greater reliability and flexibility with the Lely Astronaut.

Lely introduces an automatic grazing system. The so-called 'frontal grazing' limits grazing losses, prevents fluctuations in milk production and saves labor.

Lely takes a major step forward in the automated supply of feed to livestock.

The Lely Attis is a round bale wrapper with a large capacity. The loading arm is exceptionally robust and ensures that the bale is placed effortlessly on the wrapping table.

After the Lely Juno 150, a smaller, more compact and financially more attractive model is now available: the Lely Juno 100. Due to the smaller diameter, it is also ideal for a narrower feed alley.

The automated feeding system for flexible and fresh feeding of cows is introduced.

The mobile application, a revolution of farm management software, launches

A prototype of the Lely Welger CB Concept is introduced. Farmers acknowledge its continuous quality, capacity and comfort.

Strategic choice to focus on dairy farms worldwide and sale of our forage harvesting machines to AGCO Corporation.

The era of dairy automation truly took off when Lely started with robotic milking.

Introduction of the Lely Astronaut A5 milking robot system and the renewed Lely Juno feed pusher during the Lely Future Farm Days.

Lely was voted "Family Business of the Year 2019". Former CEO Alexander van der Lely received the annual prestigious Family Business Award from Hans Wiegel.

A big step towards circular farming. The Lely Sphere reduces ammonia emissions in the barn and converts nitrogen into circular fertilizers. The Lely Exos harvests and feeds fresh grass to the cows and applies the fertilizer to the land.

A remarkable year showing our growth. Lely North America opens the Lely Park and the Lely Campus in Maassluis doubles in office size and production capacity. The opening was on 30 June 2022 by HRH King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands.