Platform for the food and beverage industry
For Goddeeris, which has built its name and fame in industrial piping, this was literally and figuratively a logical extension of its operations. The new sprinkler unit that joined it in 2021 by no means had to start from a blank sheet. Experienced employees were recruited to put their shoulders to the wheel of this growth story.
Goddeeris has built itself a rock-solid reputation in piping in and around its home base in Roeselare. Quality and always according to the agreements. These are the company's signposts. But the West Flemish entrepreneurial spirit is also a common thread throughout the company, as evidenced by the new business unit launched in early 2021. "The drive to grow is very much present here, but within a conclusive story," opens marketing manager Miriam Vandenbulcke. "Until now, sprinkler systems were actually the only pipes we were not allowed to work on. Something we wanted to change. From pipes to sprinklers is really only a small step, at least if you gather the right specializations and expertise within your team. With our no-nonsense approach and attention to craftsmanship, we can make a difference in this too."
No sooner said than done. With Wouter Ver Eecke, a BOSEC specialist joined the ranks and Ursula Debal, who is responsible for service and maintenance of sprinkler systems within Goddeeris, is also well versed in fire protection. "Fire protection is all about saving lives. Reliability is therefore the key to a good sprinkler system. It must always work when needed. Without exception. The government imposes very strict regulations to guarantee that as much as possible. A BOSEC certificate is therefore the first condition to start working in this industry," said Debal. A feat that Goddeeris succeeded in record time. Just through the experience and the 'eagerness' to fly in it that typifies the new business unit.
For businesses, retail sector and parking buildings, the Basic Fire Safety Standard determines when they must be sprinklered. But the insurer or fire department can also impose the necessary fire safety requirements. Goddeeris makes a virtue of necessity by designing its installations according to the rules of the art. Ver Eecke: "Everything starts with a correct study according to the applicable standard and according to the fire load to be protected. How much water needs to be supplied, how they need to be placed, whether alternative extinguishing is required ... A lot of factors need to be taken into account to arrive at the right answers. Therefore, sprinkler installations always involve the necessary engineering work, the basis for reliable operation. Once the plans have been approved by the inspection authorities, we are of course also responsible for the installation."
Service and maintenance are part of the legal obligations for sprinkler systems. A part that Goddeeris scrupulously takes to heart. "From the weekly testing of the pumps, the preventive annual maintenance to the six-monthly re-inspection of the installation according to the applicable standard ... we can completely relieve the customer or train him to perform some of the tasks himself." Goddeeris wants to distinguish itself with fast, correct follow-up and personal contact. Here again, experience provides added value. "We know where things can go wrong. The main thing is to know who the customer is and how his installation is technically put together. You do not sell an offer, but ask the customer to enter into a relationship of trust. Good communication is therefore important at all times," said Debal.
