Sint-Niklaas (The Brussels Morning Newspaper): SVK, responsible for 15% of Flanders asbestos cement, faces cleanup orders from the Flemish Minister due to contamination. Acquired by Aertssen and Beerens for €13.5 million, improvement plans are pending.
SVK is a company that started in 1905 and made products containing asbestos for most of the 20th century. Even though people became more aware of the dangers of asbestos in the 1960s, SVK kept making asbestos products until 1998. By then, it was well-known that asbestos could cause serious health problems like asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. Despite these risks, the company continued to use asbestos because it was popular in construction for its heat resistance and durability.
What does SVK’s asbestos problem in Sint-Niklaas mean for the community and its new owners?
OVAM, the Flemish waste management company, says that SVK made 15 percent of all the asbestos cement in Flanders, which shows how much they contributed to the asbestos problem. Asbestos cement was used in things like roofs and pipes, and now there’s a big effort to clean it up safely. The presence of asbestos still causes issues, and companies like SVK are often mentioned when talking about who is responsible, especially since the dangers of asbestos are already known.
Earlier in 2024, the Flemish Minister for the Environment told SVK to clean up its factory in Sint-Niklaas because of serious asbestos contamination from making asbestos cement. The minister said SVK should fix its site and help pay for cleanups across Flanders since they are responsible for 15 percent of all asbestos cement. It has been said that this is important because asbestos can cause health problems for local people. However, SVK admitted they don’t have enough money for the cleanup, which has raised concerns about how it will be paid for and done. Government officials, SVK, and other groups are talking about ways to fund the cleanup and keep communities safe.
Aertssen and Beerens, two business families from Antwerp, have taken over SVK by buying almost all its shares for 13.5 million euros through their company, Stones NV. Aertssen is known for big machines, and Beerens is big in cars. SVK said it was getting worse, but now it has a chance to improve with these new owners. They will soon tell the staff and the public about their plans for the land, production, and cleanup. Last Monday on 16th September, SVK’s shares were suspended on the Brussels stock exchange, which usually means news is coming about the company.
