Change of guard at the Vandecasteele Houtimport family business in Aalbeke. Louis, who has been involved in running the company for many years, takes over the CEO role from his father Stefaan. Although Stefaan Vandecasteele has reached retirement age, he will continue to be active behind the scenes as a “best advisor”.
Vandecasteele Houtimport has a long tradition dating back to the 19th century and is a model of sustainability in the sector and the region. It is also a model company in terms of integration into the surrounding environment.
Vandecasteele Houtimport was founded in 1883 by Louis Vandecasteele, and consisted of a wood workshop and a wagon workshop. In 1919, his son Désiré succeeded him and added a sawmill. He began trading lumber. Urbain Vandecasteele, representing the third generation, succeeded his father and further developed the business. His business acumen, perseverance and dedication still form the basis of the company today.
New Quantum Leap
In the fourth generation, Vandecasteele Houtimport has made another quantum leap under the leadership of Stefaan Vandecasteele, who in his early years worked alongside his father Urbain. Now Stefaan's son Louis is taking over. He doesn't enter the business unprepared. He's highly qualified, competent and has had the advantage of learning the ropes under his father's dynamic guidance for many years.
It's clear that with this new generational change, great importance is attached to the family character of the company, which is known as a leading supplier of tropical woods, hardwoods and softwoods.
