Soetaert celebrates 100th anniversary

Foundation expert Algemene Ondernemingen Soetaert nv celebrated its 100th anniversary last weekend (March 17 and 18) on its own premises along Esperantolaan in Ostend. The Jan De Nul Group subsidiary also unveiled its new logo with great pride. A fresh look ahead to the future.

The story began with Jerome Soetaert. In 1922, he founded his one-man business, whose main activity was coastal defense and protection works. His sons Julien, Edmond and Hilaire took over the business in 1948 and transformed it into Algemene Ondernemingen Soetaert nv.

In postwar times, the company made its name and fame by working intensively on the reconstruction of our country. Locally anchored in Ostend, the company soon expanded its activities throughout Belgium.

Over the years, the company continued to grow and specialized more and more in foundation engineering. This specialization made Soetaert known in Belgium, the Netherlands, France and Luxembourg.

In 2015, construction company Jan De Nul Group acquired the foundation expert, a win-win situation for both companies.

Under the wings of parent company Jan De Nul Group, Soetaert is investing in techniques, equipment and in its people. With this, the company wants to get ready for more and even more challenging projects, with expansions abroad. Where the company previously worked domestically, it now also offers solutions for foundation works abroad. Soetaert has already gone to work in Panama, Poland, Ghana, Guyana, France, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and the United Kingdom.

Soetaert is growing rapidly and is always looking for new colleagues: machinists, technicians, site and project managers. If you have a passion for laying strong foundations to build on and want to join a close-knit team of specialists, take a look at www.jobs.jandenul.com

On Friday March 17 and Saturday March 18, Soetaert welcomed its customers, partners, local politicians and its own employees in a festive way. They were able to enjoy an instructive tour of the premises and a snack and drink afterwards. After the welcome speeches, the company unveiled its new logo.

Soetaert is known as the most versatile expert in the field of foundations, partly thanks to various in-house developed techniques. Thus, a solution can be offered for every foundation question. That is why Soetaert chose a logo in the form of a stylized 'S', in which the shape of an auger can be recognized.

Eric Beyts, General Manager of Soetaert: "We are proud to celebrate Soetaert's 100th anniversary and look forward. We dig deep and provide a solid foundation for any project. From Panama to Poland, or from Ghana to Guyana, our professionals are ready to mobilize quickly for any type of foundation work with our specialized equipment."