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The history of our family and companies is marked by challenges, innovations, and a strong passion for entrepreneurship. The press recently highlighted our family governance and our vision for the future. This is the ideal opportunity to reflect on our strengths: deep historical roots combined with a constant drive to innovate.
A fourth generation at the helm
While the roots of our group date back to 1922 with the Ploegsteert brickworks, Ceratec was founded in the 1980s from a true entrepreneurial passion. Four years ago, a major milestone was reached with the transfer of leadership to the new generation.
Today, the fourth generation is leading the way: Louis De Bruyn has taken over the management of Ceratec as CEO, while Maxime Busschaert holds the same position for the Ploegsteert Group. Philip De Bruyn serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Together, under the Debinco holding company, they manage dedicated teams comprising 500 employees at Ceratec and 220 at Ploegsteert.
From electrical installations to intralogistics: innovation is in our DNA
The industrial landscape is evolving rapidly, and our adaptability is our greatest asset. As the article notes, Ceratec began with electrical activities and has now transformed into a comprehensive engineering company capable of managing complete intralogistics processes.
To continue growing, we are addressing two major challenges: pursuing our internationalization and continuously innovating by investing in R&D, specifically in software development. Faced with current technological shifts, our vision is clear. For Louis De Bruyn, the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and Industry 5.0 is seen as a significant development opportunity, rather than a threat.
This drive for innovation is shared across the entire group. Ploegsteert also continuously innovates, whether through the evolution of its construction methods (prefabricated interior walls, hollow concrete walls) or through substantial progress in sustainability and circularity.
Ambitious as entrepreneurs, modest as individuals
The entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial spirit is embedded in our DNA. While our philosophy has long been to work quietly behind the scenes, we are now determined to increase our visibility. We want to communicate more about our achievements to showcase our expertise to the outside world.
This visibility has one essential goal: to make our employees proud of the company they invest their time in every day. Despite this desire to highlight our work, our core belief remains the same: we aim to stay modest individuals while being highly ambitious entrepreneurs.
Want to learn more about our history, our challenges, and the vision of our leadership? Read the full interview published in the press (available in Dutch).
