Veldeman Group, the Breese specialist in tent structures and modular infrastructure, wins the prestigious Ambiorix Prize 2024. Veldeman unanimously convinced the jury by its strong organisation, strategic choices, international growth and balanced focus on customers, employees and environment.
Veldeman Group, headquartered in Bree, was founded in 1950 and has grown from a classic tent manufacturer to a specialist in modular, demountable infrastructure and related customer services.
Veldeman Group has 140 full-time employees spread across five sites in Europe and America combined with an extensive network of subcontractors. The company provides customised solutions, in rental and sales, for various markets, including industry, retail and the high-end event sector. The group has built a strong international reputation, serving customers in more than 60 countries worldwide. From the largest demountable festival tent in Europe to the largest semi-permanent storage shed in South America.
The company differentiates itself from its main competitors through its level of customisation, its power of innovation and turnkey solutions with a wide range of additional services such as electricity, climate control, ventilation and decoration.
Strategic choices and international growth
In 2017, management took over the company, with financial input from a number of partners. Among other things, this led to sharpening the strategic focus. Whereas the COVID year implied a serious decline in terms of turnover (and profitability), the figures of recent years highlight both the relevance of the strategic choices and the resilience of the organisation.
Jury chairman Professor Bart Van Looy (KULeuven – Flanders Business School): ‘In recent years, Veldeman has managed to double its turnover without compromising on margin (EBITDA). A growth that also results in a balanced spread of the portfolio both in terms of customer segments and regions (Benelux, EU, North/South America).’
Further international growth ambitions are co-facilitated by the entry into the capital of IK Partners (in 2023); recent acquisitions (in Belgium and the Netherlands) contribute to further building an international market leadership position in well-chosen segments.
Balanced focus on clients, employees and environment
‘A balanced management team, led by CEO Andy Moors, oversees a corporate charter that links customer focus, cooperation, respect and commitment to results. Employee engagement and well-being are on a par with the focus on customer satisfaction,’ said another jury chairman.
Veldeman resolutely opts for sustainable business, with the ambition to become a benchmark company in the sector in terms of ESG as well.
‘In terms of strategic choices as well as organisation and operations, Veldeman convinces the jury that value is being created on a European and transatlantic scale, worthy of an Ambiorix laureate,’ concludes Professor Bart Van Looy.
Andy Moors, CEO of Veldeman Group proudly commented, ‘We are immensely proud of winning the prestigious Ambiorix award which is a wonderful recognition for all our company. We owe this award to the dedication of our entire team, who contribute daily with passion and commitment to realise our ambitions. We are proud of the growth we have achieved and dedicate this award to all our employees, partners and customers who have contributed to our success.’
Photo (free of rights) : from left to right: Caroline Smeets (Veldeman Group); Ruben Lemmens (VKW Limburg), Andy Moors (CEO Veldeman Group); Hans Mertens (Veldeman Group); Prof Bart Van Looy (jury chairman Ambiorix Prize); Marc Warson (chairman VKW Limburg)
Production, rental and sales of tents and temporary structures – Veldeman
