The site was built with the campus philosophy in mind. Different types of manufacturing companies will be based in Thor Park, where they are meant to find each other – quite literally. Joris Merckx, managing director of Thor Park, explains that the campus will welcome both mature companies as well as start-ups. Incubation is not yet a habit within the manufacturing domain, which Thor Park wants to change. The experience of established companies in combination with start-ups’ innovative mindset is anticipated to create both economic as well as societal added value.

The creation of the site is an important step towards the future for the province of Limburg (Flanders), as it is being built at the former Waterschei mining site. This is the third time that the city of Genk has had to reinvent itself in the span of one century. Following World War I, Genk was the home of Flanders’ mining industry. After the mines closed, Genk became known for its car manufacturing activities. Now, Genk is strongly positioning itself as the new home base for smart manufacturing companies.