Last week, we reported that the site in Koningshooikt, which the bankrupt bus manufacturer Van Hool had offered for sale, had been sold for 21.5 million euros, but that it was not clear who ultimately bought the land. According to Van Hool’s bankruptcy trustee, the Dutch transport company G.A. den Otter Trucks is the new owner.
There was considerable interest in the land, and Biddit registered a total of seven bids for the Van Hool grounds, including one from the Flemish government. The Flemish government participated in the bidding process because it wanted to ensure that new economic activities could be established quickly.
Industrial sites have become scarce in Flanders and are, moreover, highly fragmented. A large industrial site of 30 hectares, such as that of Van Hool, was therefore a golden opportunity for the Flemish government to attract a major investor.
‘Social costs are too high’
Gerrit den Otter, a Dutch dealer in trucks, trailers, and cranes, submitted the highest bid – 21,5 million euro – and has become the new owner of the site. The man does not understand why the Flemish government did not have more money available for the land.
“Belgium missed the industrial boat ten years ago,” says the entrepreneur. “I do not believe that industrial manufacturers will come to Western Europe anymore. Look at what happened to Open and Ford. The social costs are far too heavy to attract new industry.”
Investment
Den Otter wants to develop the plot of land quickly and possibly subdivide it, but has no plans for it himself. He purchased the land as an investment, and he will soon sit down with emplyers’ federation Voka to examine what a potential development might look like. “We are not going to leave it vacant; it has to generate a return.”
The question is how the land will be developed now. Flemish Minister-President Matthias Diependaele (N-VA) dreamed of new industry, with a focus on manufacturing. He absolutely wanted to avoid the land lying fallow after being purchased by a speculator.
Den Otter finds it strange that the bankruptcy trustee of Van Hool wanted to sell the site in one piece. “The land would have been better divided into 25 plots. And if Flanders had bought the land, that would have been a good use of taxpayers’ money.”
Future plans
A new meeting is scheduled for next week with Voka Mechelen-Kempen regarding future plans. “The buyer has indicated that they personally want a better understanding of the region’s economy and the best growth opportunities for the site. We will be happy to help with that.”
The sold, vacant plots are part of the former Van Hool site in Koningshooikt. The Van Hool family had purchased the site at the time with a view to a future expansion of activities, but those plans were never realized. The proceeds from the sale will go to Van Hool’s creditors.
