Michel Dick: The Visionary Behind Westfro and a Fortune of 55 Million Euros
Michel Dick
Westfroa company specializing in production of frozen vegetables, was founded in 1971 in Staden by Michel Dick, Georges De Geest and André Talpe. Talpe and De Geest came from the classic canning industry, associated with La Corbeille and Conserven Talpe, respectively, while Michel Dick was a former major vegetable trader. Michel Dick has built up a fortune of over 50 million euros.
Shortly after the company was founded, André Talpe died. Georges De Geest also left the project, leaving Michel Dick as majority shareholder. Over time, management of the company passed to the second generation, notably to Regina Dick, married to Dirk Verhelle, and Rita Dick. One of the daughters, Rosa Dick, took over the family farm. Roger Dick, the son, turned to several other frozen food producers in the region.
Roger Dick married Marie-Christine Lafaut de Passendale, whose father, Henry Lafaut, was also in the vegetable business. Inspired by his father-in-law, Roger launched the company Dicogel after an unsuccessful attempt at collaboration within the Pasfrostanother frozen vegetable company founded jointly by the two families.
In 2014, Michel Dick died at the age of 94 in Staden. Following this, Roger Dick bought out his sister Regina's shares, with the support of their sister Rita, who shared the remaining shares. A purchase proposed by Dirk Verhelle, Regina's husband, was rejected by Rita as insufficient, leading to the consolidation of the company under Roger's tutelage with Rita's help. This made it possible to respect Michel Dick's wish to maintain Westfro under family control.
Key facts:
- Foundation: 1971
- FoundersMichel Dick, Georges De Geest, André Talpe
- Head office: Staden
- ActivityFrozen vegetable production
- Evolution: Growing
- Current positionTOP 470
Key figures:
- Net assets : € 54 987 800
The company has gone through several stages of family transition while successfully maintaining and developing its presence in the frozen vegetable sector. Westfro's current structure reflects a family commitment and a clear strategy for staying relevant in a competitive market.
