What started in 1999 with the rental of 500 m² and a single setup machine has grown over the past quarter century into a specialist for all your fruit packaging needs. LC Packaging St-Truiden celebrated its 25th anniversary in style on Friday, June 20, which also marked the official opening of its brand-new offices, a double milestone for the company. "It was a fun, wonderful day," say Kurt Du Bois and Kelly Indeherberge of LC Packaging as they look back.
Before the festivities began, Kurt reflected on 1999, when Peter Billen started at LC Packaging as production and warehouse manager. "Peter had never seen a set-up machine up close before, but it quickly became clear that he had a great talent for switching and adjusting them. He was supported by Aad Hoogendam from our parent company in Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel (Netherlands). Together with Willy Gorissen, who handled sales, these three pioneers laid the foundation of our success story in St-Truiden."
It was a modest beginning, to be sure, but over the years, we steadily expanded. "Five years after we started in St-Truiden, Stefan Dylst and I joined the company," Kelly adds. "I started in customer service, then moved into sales, and eventually became responsible for the set-up station in St-Truiden. Stefan became a key part of our production, learning the ropes from Peter. I think we're prime examples of how you can grow at LC with dedication and loyalty. Today, we have a solid core team of around ten people, supplemented daily by temporary production workers." A special element here is the collaboration with the nearby asylum centre. "We're very proud to offer opportunities to people who are often low-skilled and without permanent housing," she adds.
From 500 to 7000 m²
"After our modest start in 500 m², we soon got the opportunity to rent 2400 m², and after about five years, we moved to the warehouse where we are now. We started by renting 5000 m² and later added the rear 2000 m². As our business expanded, more set-up boxes, punnets, and packing sheets, our old office space quickly became too small. We temporarily solved this with mobile business units in our warehouse. Not ideal, of course, too little space and no natural light. It was never something I was comfortable with, but it was our only option at the time," says Kurt.
"When BFV merged with BelOrta, we had the opportunity to purchase the entire 15,000 m² property, and we didn't hesitate. That gave us the chance to finally renovate and expand the much-needed offices after 25 years. From around 100 m², we've grown to 300 m², expanding 3 metres inward and adding a top floor."
"We're extremely pleased with the result. You start with a drawing, and a year later, you see the reality. I'm especially proud of our team in St-Truiden, they absolutely deserved this after all the growth and patience," says Kurt. "Sustainability was a major focus of the new building. With solar panels and the latest technologies, we're fully prepared for the future. With a large warehouse, set-up station, and now beautiful new offices, we have everything we need to keep serving our customers in the fruit sector, just as we've done for 25 years," Kelly adds. "In the end, it was still a race against time to get everything finished in time."
Friday, 20 June: Opening of new offices and celebration of 25 years of LC Packaging St-Truiden
It was a hugely successful day with a great turnout of customers, colleagues, associates, family, and friends. "Thanks in part to the beautiful summer weather, the event was a big success," says Kelly. "With snacks, drinks, a barbecue, a DJ set, and great company, we were able to celebrate both anniversaries in style."
For more information:
LC Packaging
Kempenarestraat 55
2860 Sint-Katelijne-Waver, Belgium
Tel: +32 15 556 810
www.lcpackaging.com