frozen vegetables produced by Michel Dick
| |

Michel Dick: The Visionary Behind Westfro and a Fortune of 55 Million Euros

Updated on

Michel Dick

Westfroa company specializing in production of frozen vegetables, was founded in 1971 in Staden by Michel Dick, Georges De Geest and André Talpe. Talpe and De Geest came from the classic canning industry, associated with La Corbeille and Conserven Talpe, respectively, while Michel Dick was a former major vegetable trader. Michel Dick has built up a fortune of over 50 million euros.

Westfro logo managed by Michel Dick

Shortly after the company was founded, André Talpe died. Georges De Geest also left the project, leaving Michel Dick as majority shareholder. Over time, management of the company passed to the second generation, notably to Regina Dick, married to Dirk Verhelle, and Rita Dick. One of the daughters, Rosa Dick, took over the family farm. Roger Dick, the son, turned to several other frozen food producers in the region.

Roger Dick married Marie-Christine Lafaut de Passendale, whose father, Henry Lafaut, was also in the vegetable business. Inspired by his father-in-law, Roger launched the company Dicogel after an unsuccessful attempt at collaboration within the Pasfrostanother frozen vegetable company founded jointly by the two families.

logo of Westfro's competitor Pastfrost

In 2014, Michel Dick died at the age of 94 in Staden. Following this, Roger Dick bought out his sister Regina's shares, with the support of their sister Rita, who shared the remaining shares. A purchase proposed by Dirk Verhelle, Regina's husband, was rejected by Rita as insufficient, leading to the consolidation of the company under Roger's tutelage with Rita's help. This made it possible to respect Michel Dick's wish to maintain Westfro under family control.

Key facts:

  • Foundation: 1971
  • FoundersMichel Dick, Georges De Geest, André Talpe
  • Head office: Staden
  • ActivityFrozen vegetable production
  • Evolution: Growing
  • Current positionTOP 470
frozen vegetables produced by Michel Dick's westfro

Key figures:

  • Net assets : € 54 987 800

The company has gone through several stages of family transition while successfully maintaining and developing its presence in the frozen vegetable sector. Westfro's current structure reflects a family commitment and a clear strategy for staying relevant in a competitive market.

Similar Posts

  • Jan Baert: The Media Visionary Behind a 374 Million Euro Fortune

    Jan Baert, with an estimated fortune of 374 million euros, is a key figure in the Belgian media landscape. In association with Het Belang van Limburg and Gazet van Antwerpen, he has transformed Concentra into a major media player, notably through the formation of Mediahuis. Discover how the Baert family navigated the challenges of the market to build a solid and prosperous media empire, positioning themselves among the 80 richest families in Belgium.

  • 70 Million: Raf Vanthoor's meteoric rise - From Cuisine to Circuits

    Discover the exceptional career of the Raf Vanthoor family, masters in the art of turning opportunity into gold. From innovation in cookware with Berghoff Worldwide to a passion for high-performance automobiles, this Belgian dynasty has built an empire valued at over 70 million euros. Immerse yourself in the story of a family that excels as much in entrepreneurship as it does on the international racing circuit.

  • Helmut Lotti: Belgian music icon with over 13M albums sold

    Helmut Lotti, renowned for his musical versatility, has sold over 13 million albums, leaving his mark on the industry with successes in a variety of genres. Honored as Grand Officer of the Order of Leopold, his career illustrates an exceptional trajectory of innovation and global recognition.