IntOCon from Ypres and StuMaCo Eng. from Staden join forces as strategic partners

Machine and installation builders IntOCon from Ypres and StuMaCo Eng. from Staden are joining forces as strategic and structural partners to better serve leading companies in various sectors of the food industry.

The challenge of sustainable growth, ever stricter quality and hygiene standards and increasing pressure on margins are the main concerns in the food processing industry. Manufacturers are also feeling the effects of an increasingly tight labour market. Every customer and every application requires a tailor-made solution, based on the specific needs of their product, production process and production flow. That is why the technical teams of IntOCon and StuMaCo Eng. work closely with their customers’ technical teams. With every new project, they go all out to develop a solution that takes the customer’s long-term competitiveness to a higher level.

With more than 45 years of combined experience, StuMaCo Eng. and IntOCon complement each other perfectly. StuMaCo Eng. has expertise in developing complete production lines, while IntOCon is stronger in developing specialised components and subsystems across a broader market within the food industry. Together they have the capacity to offer a complete, tailor-made solution in every subsector of the food industry.

Lode De Boe, who will take on a coordinating role in both companies as overarching CEO, stresses the importance of close collaboration and delivering tailor-made solutions. “We believe in this approach and will strengthen it further, with customers keeping a single point of contact and knowledge sharing being encouraged within our organisation,” says De Boe.

The holding company “Sticomax” established above the two companies will play a purely administrative role. The operational activities of IntOCon and StuMaCo Eng. will continue unchanged. However, natural collaboration between employees will be encouraged, and the sales departments will work closely together and exchange information. By having teams work together in an open and constructive way, growth opportunities arise in a larger and more internationally oriented organisation. These opportunities stem both from our pursuit of sustainable growth and from the possibility of specialisation within our organisation.

The management of both companies places great value on personal growth and development, with training and exchange seen as motivating factors. Every team member looks back proudly on what has been achieved, because everyone has a significant impact on every project, from design engineer to welder or fitter. The knowledge and skills built up in the teams are therefore an impressive asset. Growing and broadening the team will strengthen knowledge sharing even further. Stronger and smarter together.

Carl Commeene, founder of IntOCon and Sales Manager, explains: “Even though our companies develop highly technical structures and installations, their meaning and wider importance go far beyond the tangible. Our projects actively contribute to a more efficient and effective use of scarce food and nutrients. We have an impact on 10 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations, which is huge and something we have consciously and unconsciously pursued out of conviction since our founding 25 years ago. This belief is fully in line with the core idea behind today’s ESG, although for us it is authentic and embedded in our organisation.” From concept to engineering, production or installation, all employees are part of the value chain that ensures customers and the community benefit from improved industrial equipment for years to come.

Although the organisation will continue to grow, its personal and family character will be preserved, with short lines of communication and clear responsibilities. The structural collaboration will also benefit the management team, as sharing experience, knowledge and capacity is essential within project-driven organisations.

Financially, both companies have a healthy foundation to invest in the future. Combined turnover last year was around €16 million and is rising. Despite a challenging investment climate, performance for 2023 is on track so far.
Vybros Invest, the family investment company of the Vande Vyvere family and two other West Flemish families, strengthened IntOCon’s capital a few years ago. They are now writing this new chapter together with the founders of IntOCon and the shareholders of StuMaCo. All historical shareholders are reinvesting, underlining their confidence in the future of the companies.

Jan Goossens, who has supported IntOCon in word and deed since 2020, proudly hands over the baton to Lode De Boe’s team. The company weathered the Covid storm very well and has made great progress in professionalisation. Jan will focus on the further sustainable development of another growth company within Vybros Invest, where he also serves as CEO.

KBC, as trusted banking partner, and the shareholders welcome this development, because a larger company offers more stability and certainty as a platform for sustainable value creation. All stakeholders are clearly aligned to face the future with confidence and modesty.
Finally, a word of thanks to the teams at A.lex Law, Astrea Law and Het Fiscaal Advieskantoor for their professional support in realising this promising project.