Turnhout (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Transport company Group De Wolf in Turnhout declared bankrupt, ending operations. About 100 employees were affected after failed takeover talks. Rising fuel costs and competition are cited as the main causes; unions are now handling severance.
As VRT News reported, the transport company Group De Wolf in Turnhout has shut down after its bankruptcy was confirmed on Tuesday evening, Aug 19, 2025. On Wednesday, Aug 20, 2025, the staff came together to hear more about the closure.
“We’re closed,”
Said Renaat Peters, an employee and member of the ACV union, after management informed the workers.
It is a sad story. I have been here for many years, and with my colleagues I have always worked hard. We went through tough times, but I kept hoping the company would survive. Now that hope is gone.”
What led to the Group De Wolf bankruptcy in Turnhout, affecting 100 employees?
The bankruptcy of Group De Wolf had been expected for some time. Employees said the company had been under pressure as the transport sector faced difficult conditions. Rising fuel prices, strong competition, and shrinking profit margins placed a heavy strain on daily operations.
“The transport sector is struggling right now,”
Said Renaat Peters, employee and ACV union member.
“Some of our trucks have been standing still for days and even weeks. And a truck that is not moving does not earn money.”
Management had been in talks with a possible buyer who showed interest in taking over the business. That plan collapsed when the party withdrew at the last moment.
“There was a potential buyer, but they backed out at the last minute,”
Peters confirmed.
“The management told me there will be no restart.”
The closure now leaves staff without work, while unions prepare to discuss severance, unpaid wages, and job support for the affected employees.
The collapse of Group De Wolf in Turnhout follows a series of bankruptcies in the Belgian transport sector. In 2020, Ecodis Transport in Beveren went under after mounting debts and reduced demand.
In 2021, Van Mieghem Logistics in Vilvoorde shut down part of its fleet due to financial strain. A year later, in 2022, Sitra Logistics in Roeselare scaled back activities after struggling with rising costs.
