Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Belgium partners with VDL De Meeuw for 1.100 modular units to address prison and housing shortages, costing €200M.
The Belgian prison system is dealing with a serious shortage of housing. This problem has pushed the government to look for quick and flexible solutions. The Buildings Agency, which manages real estate for the federal government, started searching for a partner to help with this issue.
They wanted a company that could provide large-scale, high-quality, and efficient housing solutions. After review, the agency chose VDL De Meeuw. This company is a leader in modular construction. VDL De Meeuw will work on this project under a framework contract.
How will VDL De Meeuw’s modular units address Belgium’s housing crisis?
During the next four years, VDL De Meeuw will construct 1,100 modular residential units. The project has a total budget of 200 million euros. Of the residential units, 600 will be used in several prisons. The other 500 units will be used to address housing shortages in Belgium. This includes possible use for military housing or facilities for asylum seekers. Modular construction allows for quick deployment of these units.
Hans Vonck, the director of VDL De Meeuw Belgium, is proud of the award for their modular construction system. He says this shows their system is high quality and meets strict building standards. This order will create job guarantees and more jobs at their production facilities. This is good for local employment and helps the economy.
The company aims to provide solutions that benefit the community. Their modular system also has many advantages. It allows for quick construction. The design includes straight corridors that improve security. The living areas are made to reduce noise. The design also meets all sustainability standards.
What innovations does VDL De Meeuw bring to modular construction in Belgium?
VDL Groep is one of the industrial famous companies in Eindhoven, Netherlands. It is an industrial company that was formed in 1953. The company has hugely expanded to a population of approximately 15,000 employees in 20 countries. Its operating fields vary in different sectors; they include mobility, energy, health, technology, and construction. Being a family-owned enterprise, VDL Groep values innovation and sustainability.
VDL De Meeuw is a part of VDL Groep that focuses on modular construction. The company is based in Willebroek, Belgium. VDL De Meeuw creates buildings that can be finished fast and efficiently. This makes it a popular choice for hospitals, schools, businesses, and government projects. It has been said that its modular designs are good for urgent needs, like offices, homes, or classrooms. Its building methods help reduce waste and allow for growth.
“This assignment also creates job guarantees and associated jobs in our production facilities”
Hans Vonck Director VDL De Meeuw Belgium
