Mennens Belgium: On the differences and similarities with the Netherlands

In 2000, the Mennens Group acquired Belgian steel wire rope specialist Hoistpartner. And since 2004, the organization has been known as Mennens Belgium. Managing Director Luc Willaert talks about the services and the differences with the Netherlands.
The history of Mennens Belgium goes way back, Luc begins. "We originated from the united steel wire rope factories of Le Lis, part of what back then was the Verto company. Hoistpartner was founded in 1988. In 1993 I started at Hijstechniek West (partly owned by Hoistpartner) as assistant manager. It was a small department where I worked in both the workshop and in the office."

Traditionally, we have had a strong focus on steel wire rope

Broadening the horizon

Luc remembers the acquisition by Mennens well: "Suddenly, we grew from a small company to a large organization with an international character. We were able to broaden our horizon and services."

More and more technical products

Traditionally, the organization has had a strong focus on steel wire rope. Luc: "After the takeover, we also started supplying more and more technical solutions, such as overhead and column jib cranes. There was also more focus on assembly and maintenance."

No inspection and testing

Unlike Mennens in the Netherlands, Mennens Belgium does not perform inspection and testing. Luc explains: "In Belgium, as a supplier of lifting and hoisting equipment, we are not allowed to inspect and test these products ourselves. This is determined by law. In Belgium this is always done by an independent, approved service or 'EDTC', which in Dutch stands for 'External services for technical checks in the workplace'."

In contrast, Mennens Belgium does focus on stainless steel web nets. Luc: "For example, we supplied the web net for a 700-meter bicycle bridge in Belgian Limburg. Here you cycle between the trees, up to the treetops at a height of 10 meters. A true work of art. Other applications include web nets for parking garages or as fencing for animal enclosures in zoos."

Joining forces

The differences between Mennens Netherlands and Belgium mainly provide opportunities for joining forces, Luc explains. "In the Netherlands, for example, there is a lot of knowledge about fall protection and working at height and in depth. On the other hand, we have a lot of steel wire rope in stock. We also regularly work together on (large) steel wire rope projects, for example at bridges and locks. That's how we strengthen each other."

Market leader in Belgium

Luc is proud of Mennens Belgium's great projects and the variety of customers. He concludes, "I am thinking, for example, of our stainless steel projects, but also of the assembly of steel wire ropes for the many straddle carriers in the port, for bridges and locks. We are the market leader in Belgium, and I am proud that the largest port companies, among others, have relied on us for years as a lifting and hoisting specialist."