Wilms expands with 8,000 m2 of sustainable business space: Shadow masters build their future

The shadow masters are building their future. They even did so literally last Wednesday, October 19, when some 200 of them stuck as many shovels into the ground to mark the start of the construction of more than 8,000 m² of sustainable company buildings on the company's existing site at Molsebaan in Meerhout. 

Wilms has been a specialist in roller shutters and blinds since 1975. On that historic foundation, the company is now ambitiously building on the future. The construction of 8,000 m² of sustainable company buildings is the latest manifestation of this. 

"Starting this fall, we will be adding as much as 8,000 m² of commercial space at our company site in Meerhout, spread over three phases," Wilms CEO Erik Wilms explains. "Our construction plans stem on the one hand from the emerging shortage of production and storage space and on the other from the desire to optimize the production flow." Wilms aims to complete this project by mid-2024. 

After the total rebranding that Wilms implemented in early 2020 and the showroom makeover, Wilms continues to invest. "After renewing the roof of our production hall and installing our own production line to manufacture our screen fabrics in-house from now on, the expansion of our company site in Meerhout is next," says production manager Pascal Vandeplas. "The first phase of the plans involves the construction of a central warehouse, seen from the road on the left side of the existing building. In addition to warehouse space, there will be a takeout counter and offices downstairs and a canteen and multifunctional space for events upstairs. Not to mention there will be ample bicycle storage outside! Many of the shadow masters come from the neighborhood and Wilms wants to promote their fitness as well as save the environment by encouraging them to bike to work." 

Every decision at Wilms is tested against sustainability criteria, Erik Wilms emphasizes. "That also applies to the new building. For the phased investments, geothermal energy, underfloor heating, solar panels, a carwash entirely on rainwater for the trucks, vans and pool cars and a parking lot with water-permeable turf." 

Mayor Nele Geudens of Meerhout, who was present at the memorable moment of the first 200 spade cuts, can appreciate this decisiveness: "With this expansion, Wilms is putting itself even more firmly on the map as a sustainable and efficient player in the world of 'shade making'!"

About Wilms
For more than 45 years, Wilms of Meerhout has been a specialist in quality roller shutters and blinds. The company was founded by Jos Wilms, the father of the current CEO. Not only for that reason, Wilms is a thoroughly Belgian family business that focuses on innovative products, well-being for its employees and a sustainable production process. The team of 200 shade masters guarantees this every day.