On Friday 10 May, BelOrta opened a new packing warehouse in Borgloon, Belgium, in the presence of the Deputy of Agriculture Inge Moors, Mayor of the city of Borgloon Eric Awouters, members of the board, employees and relations. The global investment consists of 6.5 million, and shows BelOrta still believes in the future of and for their growers, despite the current situation in the top fruit sector.
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The official moment when Inge Moors, deputy of the province of Limburg, cuts the ribbon, flanked by (from left to right) Kris Jans, Philippe Appeltans, Eric Awouters, Mayor of Borgloon, Dirk Bertels and Chris de Pooter.
The new packing warehouse has 10,000 square metres and eight loading docks. The growers are also given the opportunity to more flexibly pick up their empty crates. The warehouse is equipped with four erecting machines for boxes and one for cardboard punnets, and there’s room to expand.
BelOrta’s chairperson Dirk Bertels welcomed all those present and said BelOrta wants to increase its position in Limburg and the Belgian fruit trade with this logistical and commercial investment.
Deputy of Agriculture Inge Moors and Mayor Eric Awouters talked about the fruit sector in Haspengouw and the sector in crisis. “The new packing warehouse is an anchoring of the fruit sector in Borgloon, and it will also result in employment for the population,” the Mayor thanked BelOrta.
Chris de Pooter and Philippe Appeltans of BelOrta in conversation with Luc Uytdewilligen (centre) of the Flemish Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
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“Via this realisation at the new industrial estate, with room for continued developments, we show we still want to continue growing in Borgloon. The construction of the new warehouse was necessary. The previous situation on site was inefficient and led to frustrations,” said Philippe Appeltans, BelOrta’s manager. “Every year, the range of fruit and vegetables increases, but the demand for packaging is also rising.”
Etienne Leclere, Luc Vanoirbeek, Philiep Willems, Sofie Lambrecht, Miguel Demaeght and Johan Magnus
BelOrta’s manager has rarely seen projects of this size realised in such a short period. “We’re here one year and two months after the construction permits were granted,” Philippe continued. “In the short term, we’re hoping to operate completely energy neutral by placing a medium-sized wind turbine and solar panels.”
Dirk Bertels and Philippe Appeltans present Mayor Awouters with a fruit basket.
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For more information:
BelOrta
Mechelsesteenweg 120
2860 Sint-Katelijne-Waver, Belgium
T +32 (0)15 565 331
info@belorta.be
www.belorta.be