Cretel celebrates 50 years

 Half a century of expertise and passion 

Cretel by ATS, the Belgian manufacturer of skinning machines for fish and meat and industrial washing and drying equipment, is celebrating its golden jubilee. What started as one man's passion grew into an international established value. Quality, customization and a focus on design and development prove to be the formula for the future in addition to the recipe for success of the last 50 years. 

Half a century ago, Belgium's Meetjesland was home to the newly founded Cretel. Who could have imagined then that the small one-man business would grow into a company with international appeal and distributors in more than 20 countries? After 50 years, the dream of an East Flanders entrepreneur appears to have come true. 

From sole proprietorship to international success 

Bassevelde, 1972: Jerome Cretel founds the limited liability company Cretel in his parents' home. With this company, he specializes in skinning machines for the meat and fish industry. He starts the production of the machines after moving to the Dutch town of Sint-Kruis. But it is only upon returning to Eeklo in Belgium that his company becomes a global success with offices in Singapore and New Jersey. In 2005, Jerome leaves his life's work but this does not mean the end of the brand, on the contrary! 

Collaborations strengthen the brand 

Various collaborations ensure a further professionalization of activities. For example, in 2007 'Eliona Industrial' was born from a merger with the industrial branch of the Belgian SME Eliona nv. It offered Cretel the opportunity to further develop its industrial washing and drying department. Four years later, the acquisition by ATS Group provides a new impetus: both peeling and washing and drying machines now bear the name 'Cretel by ATS'. The company can fall back on different specialties within one strong group of companies. And that has its advantages. 

Focus on design and development 

"The Cretel machines are known for their excellent quality. We very regularly hear that a customer has been using his machine for more than 20 years without any problems," says Guy Persyn, Division Manager Mechatronics at Cretel by ATS. 

"At the base is a continued focus on design and development. Of course always listening to what the customer really needs. From our Machinery Business Unit we try to further optimize the Cretel machines. A good example is the new generation of manual fish and meat skinning machines F360M and M360M. We also produce the machines in-house, which allows us to closely monitor quality and continuously optimize the process. This bears fruit: we notice that 'made in Belgium' is increasingly seen as a quality label abroad." 

Ready for the next 50 years 

In addition, the group is also mindful of its broader social responsibility. "We notice that sustainability plays an increasingly important role," Guy continues. "Our customers, but also we as a manufacturer, would like to contribute to this. In 2019, we therefore moved Cretel and the other mechatronic activities of ATS Group to a new production site in Ghent. The building is CO2 neutral and should serve as an example for future production sites of the group." 

"But of course a company's success does not depend solely on its product and processes. Above all, it is the people that make the difference, and that is where Cretel has a huge advantage. The international environment demands a lot from our employees: different standards for the machines, regular trips abroad, requests coming in around the clock and a great knack for languages are just a few of the challenges they face every day. Fortunately, we can count on a solid team that gives its best every day. Together with, and especially thanks to, this enthusiastic team, we look forward to the next 50 years!" concludes Guy.