Published in Trends 30 April 2009, p.59
New name, same company
BnS Engineering is the second largest engineering firm in Belgium with offices in Zelzate, Antwerp and Herentals. Since 1992 the company has formed part of the Dutch Grontmij Group but continued to work under the name of BnS. Very recently, on 20 April 2009, BnS Engineering was renamed Grontmij Industry. CEO and engineer Patrick Van de Velde explains why.
'We are changing our name under the motto of "New name, same people, same company". The Grontmij Group wants to position itself more clearly as an industry service provider. Grontmij Industry will function as an expertise centre for the international industrial network within the group. This should benefit everyone. We are a local player but anchored in a larger whole, which means our clients can come to one partner for multiple services.' Grontmij Industry employs approximately 240 people. Its main tasks are designing production and processing systems for chemical plants, refineries, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector, the food industry, the steel industry, power stations and other companies. Turnover grew from 10 million euros in 2000 to almost 25 million euros in 2008. 'The explanation for this is that we are strongly client-oriented and aim to build up competencies. This entails that we manage an investment project in its totality on the client's site. We also acquired the ESF quality label in January 2009. The European Social Fund has been given the task of strengthening Flemish employment. The label confirms that we are doing well in terms of innovative labour organisation and also gives us a certain character.'
The name change and communications regarding it have filled up Patrick Van de Velde's diary. Even so, he finds the time to train for the Ekiden marathon in which he will soon take part along with five other employees. "I used to be a youth football trainer. When I became CEO last year I sadly no longer had time for that. So the marathon is a small consolation and will undoubtedly help the team spirit."