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Kuehne+Nagel and Atlas Copco win trophies in Flanders

Last night, Thursday 22 April 2021, was virtual trophy time at Flanders Investment & Trade! During its ninth-consecutive Foreign Investment Trophy ceremony, which was live streamed by virtual guests from around the globe, the government agency presented two trophies to international companies that chose Flanders as their corporate homes-away-from-home. Let’s get to know the latest additions to the Trophy hall of fame. 

A look behind the scenes

Kuehne+Nagel wins the 2021 Foreign Investment of the Year Trophy

In 2020, Kuehne+Nagel opened a logistics center for pharma and medical products at Brucargo, the freight area of Brussels Airport in Machelen (Flanders). What’s more, the Swiss logistics player also started constructing a EUR 75-million European distribution center in Tessenderlo.

Honoring both projects in Flanders, the company was announced as the winner of the 2021 Foreign Investment of the Year Trophy by Flanders’ Minister-President Jan Jambon. This happened in the presence of Gerry Bosmans, director of Contract Logistics at Kuehne+Nagel BeNeLux.

With its investment projects, Kuehne+Nagel not only confirms Flanders’ traditional strengths but also the innovative clout of the logistics sector in our region.

Jan Jambon
Minister-President of Flanders

Kuehne+Nagel emerged victorious over two other nominated investment projects: that of French engineering company ECA GROUP and that of Belgian-Dutch logistics services provider Bleckmann and British fitness apparel & accessories brand Gymshark.

Dive into the details of Kuehne+Nagel’s victory (video).

Atlas Copco receives the 2021 Lifetime Achievement Trophy

Atlas Copco has come a long way since its first steps on Flanders’ soil in 1955. Nowadays, the Swedish industrial group employs 3,400+ people in the region and almost 60% of the group’s total revenue is generated by two business areas headquartered in Flanders. Moreover, thanks to various local strengths such as location and a strong innovation ecosystem, Atlas Copco carries out intensive R&D activities in Flanders and applies for an average of 30 patents per year.

It’s this impressive and long-standing track record as a foreign investor in Flanders that earned Atlas Copco the 2021 Lifetime Achievement Trophy, a distinction that was announced by Flanders’ Minister-President Jan Jambon in the presence of Alex Bongaerts, VP of Holding Benelux, France & UK/Ireland at Atlas Copco Airpower.

This trophy is a token of appreciation for the strong ties between Atlas Copco and Flanders as well as for the company’s long, successful track record in our region. Moreover, during a visit to Atlas Copco in July 2020, I was able to see that Atlas Copco is a role model for digitalization, sustainability and competence development. 

Jan Jambon
Minister-President of Flanders

Even more, the fact that Atlas Copco is a loyal and dedicated investor is also demonstrated by recent investment projects in the region. 

Even during COVID-19, Atlas Copco’s investment rhythm remained up to par. In doing so, investing in people and corporate social responsibility was clearly key – and, as such, the Swedish group has set an example for international entrepreneurship in Flanders’ manufacturing industry. 

Claire Tillekaerts
CEO of Flanders Investment & Trade

Celebrating international firms in Flanders since 2013

Atlas Copco and Kuehne+Nagel join an inspiring list of foreign investors celebrated during the Foreign Investment Trophy. Since its first edition in 2013, the ceremony has welcomed several amazing companies onto the stage, including the likes of Barry Callebaut (Switzerland), Nike (US), Borealis (Austria), Daikin (Japan), Pfizer (US), Sanofi (France), BASF (Germany), Volvo Cars (Sweden) and many more.

More info

Foreign Investment Trophy (event website)
Reported by
Flanders Investment & Trade
23 April 2021

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