Together, we continue to build a better, more sustainable process industry
“One year after the acquisition, the merger under the name of KLINGER Belgium has been official since May 1, 2024,” declared Manuel Sannen, Managing Director of KLINGER Belgium. “The entire Philippe Jans team adds significant value to our organization, not only because of their activities but also through their in-depth knowledge and experience. These are valuable assets that we want to utilize to the fullest. That is why we have taken extensive time to unite our vision and goals. We also provided assurance shortly after the acquisition announcement that there are no plans for layoffs or the closure of the Oelegem site. This is, in fact, always the approach for acquisitions within the KLINGER Group, where we always strive for optimal synergy between both companies.”
Expansion of product portfolio &
in-house production workshop
One of the most notable assets that Philippe Jans brings is the presence of an in-house production workshop for die-cutting custom gaskets. This enables KLINGER Belgium to respond even faster and more flexibly to customer needs. The additional range of industrial hoses, couplings, O-rings, and rubber solutions already proved invaluable during the transition year. The KLINGER Holding therefore considers this merger one of the most successful acquisitions worldwide, thanks to the complementarity of the product range and the production workshop for cutting custom-made gaskets. Arne Frans, a production employee in Oelegem, is in charge of two machines that he uses depending on the material: “Fast lead times and a large stock of material are important to meet the needs and requirements of our projects, even the most complex ones.”
Together towards success
The merger was officially sealed and celebrated during a festive team event at Tivoli Castle in Mechelen, symbolically located between the two sites in Oelegem and Vilvoorde. “This was a moment to bring both teams together in a festive setting and let them get to know one another. For this special occasion, the production workshop in Oelegem was even closed for once, because we find it so important to invest in the power of unity and shared values,” says Eveline Bosmans, HR Manager at KLINGER Belgium. “Family values are of great importance within KLINGER Belgium, just as they are at Philippe Jans. Providing high-quality service and being close to our customers is in both our DNAs. So, we are a perfect match in every way. The future will only prove that further.”
The power of healthy growth ambition
For Business Manager Christophe Jans, maintaining the location in Oelegem was an essential condition in the deal. “I was looking for a way to safeguard the company’s future and enable further growth. The shared element with KLINGER Belgium, specifically rubber gaskets, forms the ideal starting point. We will continue to invest in this in the coming years,” he said. “The fact that we had a record year in terms of turnover in 2023 proves how proud I can be of my team. Although the news of the acquisition was initially challenging, with understandable questions and uncertainties, I have once again experienced how much we can achieve when we strive together toward a common goal. Together with the team in Vilvoorde, we look forward to a successful collaboration and all the new opportunities it will bring.”
Autonomy and synergy
The enthusiasm among the staff is palpable on all fronts. The KLINGER Belgium team welcomes the reinforcement from Philippe Jans with open arms, and vice versa. Veerle De Blomme, Internal Sales Manager at KLINGER Belgium: “I have been active at KLINGER Belgium for over twenty years, mainly because the world of technology is so fascinating, but also because it is a close-knit team. We only applaud the addition of Philippe Jans, as an in-house production workshop offers a significant advantage for our customers. Over the past year, there has already been a great deal of knowledge exchange between both teams, from product range to working methods and customer relations. We feel a strong harmony on both sides and look forward to a promising future with confidence.”
Promising future assured
Driven by a solid foundation, an enriched product portfolio, and a shared vision for growth and service, KLINGER Belgium and Philippe Jans look forward to a bright future together with confidence.