Specialist in industrial and mechatronic solutions moves to larger location

In mid-September, the brand-new Stäubli Benelux building on the Engelse Wandeling at Bouwcentrum Pottelberg in Kortrijk was officially opened. In addition to spacious, open workplaces for the 37 employees, the subsidiary of the Stäubli Group has a state-of-the-art showroom at this location, the Stäubli Robotics Academy for training, improved facilities for demonstrations, testing, storage and logistics, an event space and a cafeteria with terrace. Since Stäubli Robotics just celebrated its 40th anniversary, mobile robot Helmo was allowed to assist with the ribbon cutting.

Family-owned Stäubli, headquartered in Pfäffikon, Switzerland, has become a global specialist in industrial and mechatronic solutions with four core businesses: Textile, Electrical Connectors, Fluid Connectors and Robotics. "Since 1892 we have been writing a success story that led to record growth of 30% last year. The growth is based on four key values: Performance, Partnership, Passion & People," says Gerald Vogt, CEO of the Stäubli Group. "We operate with our own subsidiaries in 29 countries, have agents in 50 countries and have 15 up-to-date production facilities. Around the world, we strive for long-term collaborations with partners and customers. However, our people are our most important asset. We can count on the knowledge and drive of 5,700 employees, nearly 10% of which are in R&D - a testament to our drive for innovation."

Growth necessitates expansion

Stäubli Benelux started selling textile machines for the Benelux 22 years ago. Activities were quickly expanded to include robotics (2001) and connectors for liquids (2002), and when in 2004 the company Multi-Contact from Sint-Martens-Latem was also acquired, the foundations were laid for the sale of electrical connectors. "The team today consists of 37 employees, active in pre-sales, sales and after-sales, and it became impossible for this group to function comfortably at our former site in the heart of Bissegem (Kortrijk)," says Jo Dekeyster, managing director of Stäubli Benelux. "We started looking for a new 'home' and finally arrived at this brand new office building on Pottelberg, almost in the backyard of our previous premises. At 2,275 m², this building is twice as big and also offers a lot more opportunities with a focus on growing our team and further optimizing our service to partners and customers."

Multifunctional, energy-efficient building

The Stäubli Benelux team is very proud of their new three-story office building. In addition to the entrance and spacious, open workplaces for the employees of the Robotics and Textile divisions, visitors can visit a state-of-the-art showroom on the ground floor. "In our Stäubli Robotics Academy, up to eight people at a time can take a theory course, after which practice can continue in the demo and test room. We further organize feasibility tests for customers with concrete robot projects. The warehouse space was also significantly expanded, allowing us to keep even more products in stock for fast, just-in-time delivery to customers," says communications manager Trui Verschelde during the tour. "The second floor today serves as a meeting and event space, but opens up prospects for future expansion. The top floor houses the offices of the Electrical & Fluid Connector employees as well as a cafeteria with terrace, where we can have lunch, hold brainstorming sessions or organize after-work activities." In addition to its versatility, the building excels in energy efficiency. For example, solar panels were installed on the roof and heat pump technology and energy-efficient, sensor-controlled LED lighting are used. Large glass areas provide transparency, ample incidence of daylight and views of the vibrant surroundings of a site with businesses, stores, restaurants and leisure activities. Stäubli Benelux is already ready for the challenges of today and tomorrow with an office building, which on the one hand offers room for growth and on the other hand is itself an additional asset for recruiting new people.