Construction

  • Robert Hoornaert: From Civil Engineer to Construction Emperor with an Estate Worth Over 130 Million Euros

    Robert Hoornaert, a civil engineer by training, was able to transform a minority holding into a construction empire with assets estimated at over 130 million euros. At the helm of the Bruges-based Artes Group, Hoornaert has expanded the company through strategic acquisitions, strengthening its position in the Belgian building and construction sector. Find out how this visionary entrepreneur led the Artes Group to become one of the market leaders.

  • Jef Machiels: From Gravel Extraction to an Empire Worth Over 203 Million Euros

    Jef Machiels and his family have transformed their business from gravel extraction to a diversified empire in waste treatment, renewable energy, sustainable construction and real estate. With assets estimated at over 203 million euros, the Machiels family is distinguished by its commitment to sustainable development and its expansion into innovative sectors, with projects such as 'Closing the Circle' and the Maastricht real estate development redefining industry standards.

  • Emsens family: a Belgian dynasty with assets worth 2.6 billion euros

    The Emsens family, ranked among the 14 richest families in Belgium, controls an industrial empire with companies such as SCR-Sibelco, Aliaxis and Etex. These multinationals, specializing in sand mining, construction products and materials such as asbestos cement, reinforce the Emsens' influence on the global market. With assets of over 2.6 billion euros, the Emsens family is also extending its influence through strategic investments in companies such as Sofina and Solvay, consolidating their position as one of Belgium's leading industrial dynasties.

  • Emsens family: 1.1 billion euros and a deep industrial heritage in sand mining

    The Emsens family, pillars of the SCR-Sibelco group, have fashioned an industrial empire centered on the extraction of quartz sand used in glass production. With assets estimated at 1.1 billion euros, SCR-Sibelco is a little-known but key player in the global mining industry. Their influence extends across Europe, the United States and Mexico, while navigating contemporary challenges such as subsidiary restructuring and global market fluctuations. Discover how this Belgian dynasty continues to influence the economy while adapting to new realities.

  • The Holvoet Family: From Steel Transformation to a Fortune of 66 Million Euros

    The Holvoet family, with roots in Belgium and France, has built a fortune estimated at over 66 million euros thanks to its expertise in steel processing. With solid bases in Aalbeke and Kortrijk, the family business excels in steel processing and the production of steel structures. Find out how the Holvoets have leveraged new technologies and an innovation-driven customer strategy to become a major player in the metal industry.

  • The Demot and Houben Families: How they transformed Democo into a 65 million euro empire

    The Demot and Houben families were the founding pillars of Democo, a major construction group based in Hasselt. Since its creation in 1977 by Cyriel Demot, Frans Houben, and Mario Longhi, the company has prospered under the leadership of Philip Demot, reaching sales of 250 to 300 million euros. Discover how these families built a fortune of 65 million euros by transforming Democo into a diversified and influential company in the construction industry.

  • Philippe Vlerick: How a Belgian Visionary Built a 197 Million Euro Empire

    Philippe Vlerick, a leading figure in the Belgian financial world, has successfully navigated economic and industrial challenges to build a fortune estimated at 197 million euros. His journey, marked by strategic acquisitions, judicious investments and a commitment to innovation, illustrates how a visionary can build a lasting empire. Discover how Philippe Vlerick has turned challenges into opportunities and maintained a leading influence in the Belgian economy.

  • Willemen family: the 750-million-euro construction empire undergoing a metamorphosis

    The Willemen family, at the head of a construction empire estimated at 750 million euros in annual sales, is navigating through a crucial period of transformation. Founded by Johan Willemen, the Willemen Group has established itself as a construction giant in Belgium, with over 2,100 employees. Despite recent challenges, including a loss of 35 million euros in 2022, the company is demonstrating its resilience by refocusing on the Belgian market. With a family fortune in excess of 53 million euros, the Willemen are a perfect example of how a family business can adapt to the turbulence of the construction sector, while maintaining its leading position in key areas such as infrastructure and real estate.

  • Wibo family: 87-million-euro industrial empire forged in steel

    The Wibo family, at the head of the Vlassenroot Group, has built an industrial empire worth an estimated 87 million euros in large-scale steel processing. Founded in 1926 as a simple forge, the company has evolved under the management of Jean-Charles Wibo into a European leader in steel machine production. With plants in Belgium, Germany and Poland, Vlassenroot excels in the manufacture of heavy hydraulic cranes and steel structures for iconic projects such as Rotterdam's Erasmus Bridge. Beyond Vlassenroot, Jean-Charles Wibo is diversifying into building materials distribution and industrial laundry services, consolidating the Wibo family's industrial heritage.