{"id":606,"date":"2024-04-24T10:47:43","date_gmt":"2024-04-24T08:47:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lama-fortune.com\/?p=606"},"modified":"2025-02-13T12:02:29","modified_gmt":"2025-02-13T11:02:29","slug":"swerts-soudal-family","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/old.lama-fortune.com\/en\/famille-swerts-soudal\/","title":{"rendered":"Soudal: Swerts family rises to \u20ac699M - Belgian Chemical Revolution"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Swerts family<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Victor Swerts, known to his friends and family as Vic, was behind the creation of the <strong>Belgian chemical giant Soudal. <\/strong>This company, based in Oud-Turnhout in the Kempen region, is now recognized as one of Europe's leading producers. <strong>silicones and sealants, <\/strong>including products based on <strong>polyurethane<\/strong>. In addition to these elements, Soudal's creative range includes adhesives, foams, automotive repair products and waterproofing solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f808830f324&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f808830f324\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2880\" height=\"1247\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/lama-fortune.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Soudal.png\" alt=\"Swerts Family brand logo\" class=\"wp-image-2491\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.lama-fortune.com\/2024\/04\/Soudal.png 2880w, https:\/\/media.lama-fortune.com\/2024\/04\/Soudal-300x130.png 300w, https:\/\/media.lama-fortune.com\/2024\/04\/Soudal-1024x443.png 1024w, https:\/\/media.lama-fortune.com\/2024\/04\/Soudal-768x333.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2880px) 100vw, 2880px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Since its beginnings in 1966, Soudal has undergone an evolutionary process. <strong>almost constant<\/strong>. It has established a strong international presence, notably with <strong>the acquisition of Ayrton<\/strong>a French competitor in 1992, extending its influence in France and strengthening its logistics capabilities. The inauguration of a second plant in Turnhout in 1994 marked the continuation of this expansion, with exports acting as a growth lever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1997, Soudal took a decisive step forward by taking over the silicones division.<strong> of the Bayer Group, <\/strong>located in Leverkusen, securing a leading position in German markets. This initiative was followed by a series of international successes, including the establishment of subsidiaries in various countries and a joint venture <strong>in India in 2010.<\/strong> In the same year, Soudal strengthened its presence in Asia with the acquisition of a major production company. <strong>of PU foams in China<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f808830f6a6&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f808830f6a6\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1982\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/lama-fortune.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/people-renovating-house-concept-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"silicone foam from the Swerts family\" class=\"wp-image-2496\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.lama-fortune.com\/2024\/04\/people-renovating-house-concept-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/media.lama-fortune.com\/2024\/04\/people-renovating-house-concept-300x232.jpg 300w, https:\/\/media.lama-fortune.com\/2024\/04\/people-renovating-house-concept-1024x793.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/media.lama-fortune.com\/2024\/04\/people-renovating-house-concept-768x595.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The following table provides an overview of Soudal's growth and various extensions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Year<\/th><th>Event<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>1966<\/td><td>Soudal Foundation<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>1992<\/td><td>Acquisition of Ayrton in France<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>1994<\/td><td>Plant opening in Turnhout<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>1997<\/td><td>Takeover of Bayer's silicone division<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>2010<\/td><td>Joint venture in India and acquisition in China<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>1996-2005<\/td><td>Expansion into Eastern Europe and Latin America<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Swerts' heritage, <strong>estimated at nearly 699.2 million euros, <\/strong>reflects the cumulative success of these developments. Soudal has also diversified its investments by taking a major stake in the<a href=\"https:\/\/lama-fortune.com\/hans-bourlon-en-gert-verhulst-studio-100\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"517\">he capital is Studio 100,<\/a> leader in children's entertainment. However, the COVID-19 crisis posed unforeseen challenges for this new investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f808830f97d&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f808830f97d\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/lama-fortune.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/TdB_2015_-_Equipe_Lotto-Soudal-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"Sports sponsor of the Swerts family cycling team\" class=\"wp-image-2498\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.lama-fortune.com\/2024\/04\/TdB_2015_-_Equipe_Lotto-Soudal-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https:\/\/media.lama-fortune.com\/2024\/04\/TdB_2015_-_Equipe_Lotto-Soudal-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/media.lama-fortune.com\/2024\/04\/TdB_2015_-_Equipe_Lotto-Soudal-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/media.lama-fortune.com\/2024\/04\/TdB_2015_-_Equipe_Lotto-Soudal-768x576.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite some setbacks, the Swerts family continues to prosper, with operations spanning several continents, including Latin America and Asia. Soudal has also distinguished itself in <strong>the sports industry, <\/strong>in particular as <strong>cycling sponsor<\/strong> and is renowned for its commitment to cultural life through initiatives such as hosting major artistic events.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover the captivating story of Victor Swerts and his family, who transformed Soudal into a Belgian chemical powerhouse with assets worth 699.2 million euros. From modest beginnings in 1966 to becoming a leader in sealants and silicones in Europe, while navigating global challenges and diversifying their investments, including into entertainment.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":2493,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[43,50,33,4],"tags":[5,45,51,32,27,6],"class_list":["post-606","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-chimique","category-construction","category-famille","category-industriel","tag-belgique","tag-chimique","tag-construction","tag-entreprise-familiale","tag-flandre","tag-industiel"],"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":43,"label":"Chimique"},{"value":50,"label":"Construction"},{"value":33,"label":"Famille"},{"value":4,"label":"Industriel"}],"post_tag":[{"value":5,"label":"Belgique"},{"value":45,"label":"Chimique"},{"value":51,"label":"Construction"},{"value":32,"label":"Entreprise 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Moth\u00e9","author_link":"https:\/\/old.lama-fortune.com\/en\/author\/mmothe\/"},"comment_info":0,"category_info":[{"term_id":43,"name":"Chimique","slug":"chimique","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":43,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":24,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":43,"category_count":24,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Chimique","category_nicename":"chimique","category_parent":0},{"term_id":50,"name":"Construction","slug":"construction","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":50,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":95,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":50,"category_count":95,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Construction","category_nicename":"construction","category_parent":0},{"term_id":33,"name":"Famille","slug":"famille","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":33,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":367,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":33,"category_count":367,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Famille","category_nicename":"famille","category_parent":0},{"term_id":4,"name":"Industriel","slug":"industriel","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":4,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":122,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":4,"category_count":122,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Industriel","category_nicename":"industriel","category_parent":0}],"tag_info":[{"term_id":5,"name":"Belgique","slug":"belgique","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":5,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":287,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":45,"name":"Chimique","slug":"chimique","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":45,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":17,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":51,"name":"Construction","slug":"construction","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":51,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":83,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":32,"name":"Entreprise 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