AVR from Belgium, manufacturer of a full range of potato growing and harvesting machines for the global market, concluded its 175th anniversary year with the festive opening of its revamped head office. No fewer than 50 additional jobs have been created in the main office building in order to support AVR’s continued growth.
The considerable expansion of the head office is the latest in a series of recent investments. from the opening of a new production hall in 2016 – increasing the total production area by half at the time – to the opening of the new German branch in 2023 and an expansion of the R&D department with 12 additional staff and a lab in that same year. In early 2024 AVR embarked on a significant expansion and renovation project in its head office.
“We are truly experiencing substantial growth”, says AVR’s Managing Director Stefan Top. “In 2005, 60 staff generated a turnover of €12 million. In 2015 we realised a turnover of €39 million with 130 staff and this year we’re on track to break the €100 million barrier with just over 250 staff.
Our growth is fueled primarily by the development of the processing industry, but the growing demand for efficient and sustainable agricultural solutions also plays its part. That is why we continue to invest, often in research & development, to create innovative machines that boost productivity while cutting costs.
The development process of these machines has become considerably more complex. Engineers must work with agronomists, software developers and data analysts to design machines that are not only reliable from a mechanical standpoint, but that also enable our customers to engage in sustainable farming. This requires a multidisciplinary approach and constant innovation to meet legal requirements while satisfying the evolving needs of the agricultural sector.”
Festive opening
The fully renovated and expanded head office will be officially inaugurated in three stages. On Friday 22 November, ahead of the official opening, the staff were invited to a full day of team building activities at the revamped site. On Saturday 23 November, on the eve of the industry trade show Interpom at Kortrijk Xpo, AVR has invited its dealers from across the globe to a fantastic evening event. On that occasion, mayor Kris Declercq will officially inaugurate the building.
On 21 December AVR is looking forward to welcoming its customers and sector peers for a festive conclusion to the 175th anniversary year. Tours of the plant, exhibited machines and catching up over refreshments around a winter fire: that is the warm recipe for AVR Winter Fest. Registering is required.
Anniversary year
The story of AVR starts in 1849 when Pieter Vansteenkiste founds a modest forge in downtown Roeselare where he manufactures agriculture and horticulture tools. The business is later named after his son: Alfons Vansteenkiste Roeselare. AVR is born. 175 years later AVR is still a family-run business and has developed into a global company in the production of agricultural machines for the potato industry. A history of transformation and specialization.
