Focusing on the future as we have always done
Our history is really about the future. Being prepared for society´s needs and challenges has always been the foundation of our business. From the Industrial Revolution to today´s global urbanisation trend, we know that the communities and cities of tomorrow will always be different from those of yesterday – and that it will remain our job to stay one step ahead.
Our history is based on engineers and architects working across the globe.
Since our establishment in the late 19th century, these professions have evolved and are now crucial to today´s sustainable urban development.
Sweco has expanded continuously to meet customers’ needs for a wide range of specialist expertise. Since the early 2000s, Sweco has acquired nearly 100 companies.
Our capacity to grow through acquisition has propelled us to the leading position we hold today. Our philosophy when merging with other companies is that the sum is greater than its parts. This strategy has proved highly beneficial to our customers, colleagues and shareholders.
OUR BELGIAN HISTORY
Belgroma and BnS Engineering, the cradle of Sweco in Belgium
Under the name Belgroma, Sweco already started in Belgium in 1956. In 1992, BnS Engineering (later known as Grontmij Industry) joins the group.
Growth of the Sweco network in Belgium
From 1998, Sweco’s growth takes off as the result of consecutive acquisitions of established consulting and engineering firms, such as Study group Verschave in Bruges, Clerckx in Beersel, Atenco in Zaventem, De Neuter & Associés in Wavre and Styfhals Engineering in Vilvoorde. In 2008, the phased acquisition of the engineering firm Libost-Groep started. In 2009, the acquisition of Studiebureel Stokmans and Econnection took place, and in 2011, we integrated the activities of G.V.E. and GeoInvent.
However, the organisation does not just grow through acquisitions. New activities are started and companies are founded. Sweco is growing fast in project management of complex infrastructure projects. Sweco participates in the TV SAM for the infrastructure works in Antwerp and in the temporary association Safe Traffic Flanders for the redevelopment of dangerous road intersections in Flanders. More recently, also in the THV VARINIA for the Spartacus project, which aims to realise a high-speed tram between Hasselt and Maastricht. As a partner of the THV ENVALIM, Sweco works for Bionerga on a new energy plant.
Simplification of the company structure
Sweco Belgium nv is the operating company wherein Grontmij Vlaanderen nv, Grontmij Industry nv, Libost-Groep nv and Grontmij Wallonie nv are brought together. This integration has been prompted by the increasing complexity of projects and the demand from our customers for greater consistency of our multidisciplinary service provision. A simplification of the company structure of Sweco in Belgium and a pooling of all knowledge and strengths meets this need.
Our History
How did we become who we are?
Watch the video to find out.