Gits – Voestalpine Sadef in Gits, which employs 650 individuals, including 50 from customisation companies, has been designated as the ambassador for Flemish custom workshops. This initiative is supported by Groep Maatwerk and Minister Hilde Crevits, with goals to create 1,000 inclusive jobs, reports 24brussels.
The steel company, located in the province of West Flanders, Belgium, has begun a year-long role as ambassador for Flemish custom workshops. CEO Peter Verbrugge emphasized that the collaboration extends beyond mere symbolism.
“Out of our 650 employees, 50 come from different customisation companies,”
he stated.
“They are at our company every day and fully part of the production process. These workers can perform certain tasks with high skill and efficiency. Their work improves both the quality and speed of production.”
What role will Voestalpine Sadef play in creating 26,000 jobs for Flemish workers?
In Flanders, approximately 26,000 individuals are employed in sheltered workshops that provide opportunities for persons with disabilities or limited work capacity. Francis Devisch from Groep Maatwerk noted that the advantages extend beyond monetary compensation.
“Workers gain structure, routine, and social contact, which are very important for them,”
he affirmed.
He also remarked that strong collaboration with traditional companies is essential. Partnerships with firms like Voestalpine Sadef enable workers to gain invaluable experience and become integrated into teams, while companies benefit from their expertise.
Officials outlined that, for a company to attain ambassador status for Flemish custom workshops, it must fulfill specific criteria. A successful candidate must demonstrate a longstanding relationship with customisation companies and be willing to share its experiences openly.
Devisch stressed the importance of transparency.
“A company that tells other companies how satisfied it is with this collaboration provides the best advertisement for us,”
he asserted.
Minister of Social Economy Hilde Crevits (CD&V) has encouraged more businesses to partner with custom services.
“Research by KU Leuven and Deloitte shows that this collaboration leads to more opportunities, more innovation, and more inclusion. That’s why we want to create 1,000 additional positions in collective customised services by the end of this term.”
Voestalpine Sadef, established in 1942, specializes in producing custom-made steel profiles. After being acquired by the Austrian group Voestalpine in 1991, the company has evolved into a key player in the steel industry, servicing sectors such as construction, automotive, and renewable energy.
Groep Maatwerk, the principal organization for Flemish sheltered workshops, was founded in 1980 in Antwerp. The group represents workshops that provide tailored jobs for those with disabilities or reduced work capacity.
As of 2020, Groep Maatwerk supported 64 member organizations, employing nearly 26,000 workers across Flanders, and continues to promote inclusive employment while advising companies on integrating individuals from sheltered workshops into their workforce.
