While segments of the European construction sector face headwinds, Lommel-based industrial builder Derdaele+ is doubling down on its growth trajectory. The company has announced a significant expansion of its operations in Belgium, signaling strong confidence in its order book and the long-term demand for industrial steel production.
The expansion centers on a massive investment in infrastructure at the company’s site in Lommel. Reports on the total financial commitment vary, with estimates ranging between €10 million and €15 million. This capital injection is designed to increase production efficiency and accommodate a growing volume of quotes and projects.
Led by founder Patric Derdaele and CEO Thomas Monnens, the company is transitioning to a larger operational footprint to prevent the business from “bursting at the seams.” The strategy focuses not only on increasing sales turnover but on enhancing the quality of production and customer satisfaction through modernized facilities and ergonomic tooling.
Scaling Steel Production and Capacity
A cornerstone of the expansion is the construction of a new production hall spanning 12,000 square meters. This facility, which stands 10 meters high, is dedicated to steel production and paintworks. The construction of the hall itself requires 550 tons of steel.
The primary operational goal of this new hall is to boost the company’s capacity to 250 tons per week. To support this increased output, the investment includes the acquisition of new machinery, most notably a 150-ton Liebherr crane.
Strategic Infrastructure in Kristalpark
The expansion is taking place in the Kristalpark industrial area of Lommel. Derdaele+ has acquired a 2.8-hectare plot of land adjacent to its existing facilities, which include a 5,500 square meter wet coating facility. This acquisition brings the total site area to 6 hectares, with the total building area expected to exceed 28,000 square meters.
The new land will be repurposed to house several critical functions, including:
- A warehouse and specialized department for the cutting and folding of metal parts.
- A dedicated storage and washing area for the company’s machinery fleet.
- New office space, with 2,500 square meters of administrative area planned.
While the production facilities are moving forward quickly, the completion of the new office building is currently scheduled for 2027.
Workforce Growth and Diversification
The physical expansion is mirrored by a growth in human capital. CEO Thomas Monnens has indicated that the company is hiring 10 to 15 new employees to fill roles in production, assembly and drilling. The company is emphasizing employee well-being and safety by integrating ergonomic production lines and tools into the new construction.
Beyond industrial construction, the broader Derdaele Group continues to maintain a diversified portfolio. Project development remains a key pillar of the group’s business model, with a specific focus on KMO-units (SME units) and various real estate projects.
Key Expansion Metrics
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Investment Range | €10 million – €15 million |
| New Production Hall | 12,000 sq meters |
| Total Site Area | 6 hectares |
| Target Capacity | 250 tons of steel per week |
| New Hires | 10 to 15 employees |
The site is expected to be fully operational by mid-2025, marking a significant milestone in the company’s effort to scale its industrial capabilities in the region.
As Derdaele+ moves toward its mid-2025 operational deadline, the industry will be watching to see how this aggressive expansion influences the regional industrial landscape in Lommel. We invite our readers to share their thoughts on industrial growth trends in the comments below.