Belgium: Heating installation sales warming up

Since 1957, Flemish firm P. De Vijlder N.V. has been supplying heating installations to greenhouse horticulture, particularly in the vegetable sector. Owner Patrick De Vijlder: "Things are going well, you can see that people are investing more again. Currently we are working on a ten-hectares tomato greenhouse in France. In Belgium we are working on an eggplant greenhouse of 2.5 hectares, a lettuce nursery of over 5 hectares and a roof conservatory. Everything will be completed this year." Also for 2018 Patrick has already a number of jobs lined up.

Patrick with sons Pieter (left) and Kristof

Family business

P. De Vijlder N.V. has an annual turnover of 3 million euros. The company was founded by Pierre and Gaby De Vijlder, Patrick's parents. They started from their garage. Patrick joined the company at the age of 26. In September, the company celebrated its 60th anniversary with a big party.

Right: mother Gaby De Vijlder, co-founder of the company

New construction

This year the company moved from Lochristi to a modern building in Lokeren. With an outlook on the future, the third generation, who have been involved in the company since 2010, son Kristof takes care of the technical side while son Pieter deals with the business side of the company. With this move, P. De Vijlder N.V. is ready for the coming decades.

For more information:

De Vijlder P. N.V.

Rechtstraat 430

9160 Lokeren

Belgium

www.devijlder.be

Patrick De Vijlder

patrick@devijlder.be

Pieter De Vijlder

pieter@devijlder.be