On Tuesday 10 February, Belgian industry was once again in the spotlight. No fewer than 20 companies received a Factory of the Future Award. Nine organisations received the label for the first time, while eleven had their recognition renewed. In this article, we zoom in on the winners from the technology sector. What makes them truly future-proof? Not isolated technology, but a strong vision, well-considered choices and daily discipline.
Discover which Belgian manufacturing companies were recognised as Factory of the Future this year
In the press release, you discover who the laureates are, which sectors they represent, and why they make a difference in tomorrow’s manufacturing industry.
1st Factory of the Future winner in tech: Locinox, growth built on engineering and automation
Locinox has been developing and manufacturing innovative gate technology for more than 30 years. The company is a European market leader, with strong growth driven by clear strategic choices. Integrated engineering, modular designs and intensive automation are the backbone of their growth.
Globally present, locally relevant
Locinox products are part of everyday life. They secure tennis courts in Belgium, theme parks in the United States and iconic sites such as the Eiffel Tower. This scale requires delivery reliability and flexibility.
Evolution of product and production
Their product range evolved from mechanical solutions to hydraulic gate closers, access control and motorisation for pedestrian gates such as Magnus and Venus. At the same time, Locinox is innovating in logistics and production.
Digital factory and Logistics 4.0
The greenfield site Locinox 4.0 combines digital production with highly automated logistics. A fully automated warehouse with 80,000 boxes feeds assembly and packaging. Linking CRM, ERP and WMS enables the company to track orders in real time. They have a clear promise: shipping within 24 hours, without any customer stock.
Sustainability as a structural choice
Sustainability is structurally embedded. Since 2023, Locinox has been preparing for CSRD through a double materiality assessment, with the use of solar panels, geothermal energy, water buffering and green fleet infrastructure making the site energy-independent.
2nd Factory of the Future winner in tech: Thales Alenia Space in Belgium: flawless quality as the absolute standard
Belgian technology in space
Thales Alenia Space in Belgium develops, manufactures and tests electronic equipment for satellites and launchers. Today, more than 300 satellites orbit with Belgian technology on board: every Ariane 6 rocket contains 11 to 17 electronic systems made in Charleroi.
Zero margin for error as a starting point
There is no after-sales service in space: the margin of error is zero. This reality drives every decision, from design to testing.
Quality embedded in engineering
Quality is already a priority in the design phase. Products are developed with attention to production and testing requirements even before the first prototypes. This approach is deeply embedded in the engineering culture.
Controlled production and traceability
During production and assembly, targeted quality controls monitor every step. Automation and digitisation of production and test data ensure reproducibility and full traceability. Advanced manufacturing and testing constantly reinforce each other.
Co-development as a lever for innovation
Collaboration is the third pillar. Through intensive co-development, Thales Alenia Space is building a network-oriented design and manufacturing environment that accelerates innovation.
Reassessments confirm ongoing commitment
Factory of the Future doesn’t stop with an initial label. Reassessments show how companies are deepening their transformation and continuing to invest.
Daikin
Daikin Europe develops and manufactures advanced climate systems. With a fourth FoF label, the company demonstrates how it continues to invest in digitalisation, automation and continuous improvement in a highly competitive international market.
Valeo Vision Belgium
Valeo Vision Belgium, a world leader in automotive lighting, renewed its label for the fourth time. Its focus is on new technology, carbon neutrality through Valeo CAP 50, digitisation, smart manufacturing and a people-centric organisation.
Terumo Europe
Terumo Europe’s production site in Heverlee renewed its label. The site continues to invest in craftsmanship, robust processes and reliable technology. The goal remains unchanged: high-quality solutions for patients and healthcare providers.
Altachem
Altachem gained a second FoF label. The company is strengthening its growth path by focusing even more on sustainability, well-being, cyber security and further digitisation.
Alstom Belgium
Alstom Belgium was awarded the label for the third time for its Charleroi site. The renewed certification confirms its commitment to industrial excellence, digitisation, collaboration and a people-centric organisation.
Together, these companies show that Factory of the Future is not an end point, but a trajectory of continuous progress.
Make the Future: structure behind success
During the Make the Future programme of Sirris and Agoria, we guide you through seven transformations towards a Factory of the Future. In this way, we support Belgian manufacturing companies in their strategic transformations, with a strong focus on innovation, sustainability and digital growth.
By sharing insights and best practices, Make the Future helps companies not only achieve the Factory of the Future title, but above all maintain their competitive edge in a rapidly evolving industry.
A community in motion
The Factory of the Future Awards bring together more than individual successes. They showcase a growing community of manufacturing companies that invest in technology, people and organisation.
New laureates bring momentum. Reassessments add depth and maturity. For Sirris and its partners, this underlines the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Within the Tech sector, this dynamic translates into tangible progress. New laureates such as Locinox and Thales Alenia Space make innovation concrete by connecting vision, technology and organisation. At the same time, recertifications and reassessments show that continued commitment is essential to keep growing and creating future value.
Discover which Belgian manufacturing companies were recognised as Factory of the Future this year
In the press release, you discover who the laureates are, which sectors they represent, and why they make a difference in tomorrow’s manufacturing industry.
Want to know how your manufacturing organisation can grow towards Factory of the Future?
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