The Stevin project aims to ensure Belgium’s ability to respond to the increasing energy needs and the changing energy mix. The rising output of renewable energy (wind, solar, biomass) in the coastal region and from offshore wind farms needs to be connected to the national grid , and the project also represents a link in the interconnector with the UK which is under construction. This connection will reinforce Belgium’s electricity import and export capacity.

For Omexom Belgium, the project is gradually drawing to a close. All cables have been laid and are currently being anchored to the masts. The final task is the installation of the marker lights to warn aircraft of these tall obstacles, and then our job is done. The line will be brought into use around June or July.

ITB, located in Kruibeke and founded in 1987, is one of the market leaders in electrical installations in Flanders and Brussels for large and medium-sized projects. The company has a loyal customer base and boasts an excellent reputation.

ITB currently has approximately 116 employees, divided over 3 separate companies; namely ITB NV & ITB Technics NV, both active in overall electrical installations, and Comantec NV which maintains electrical installations, but has also long term maintenance contracts for HVAC & sanitary installations and elevators.

“The acquisition of ITB is part of our growth strategy,” says Marc Lemaire, Managing Director of VINCI Energies Belgium. ‘We are always looking for synergies with our existing activities. In the past, we already did some projects in Joint Venture with ITB, so we know that this acquisition is complementary to our expertise. With our division Cegelec Buildings we have in Flanders a smaller electrical activity, compared to the bigger HVAC activity, but now, together with ITB, we become an important market player in electricity as well. We will be even more than before a unique partner for our customers in Flanders by offering them a complete solution in HVAC and electricity.”

“The integration within VINCI Energies Belgium will enlarge our customer base and is an important step in our further development, testifies Raf Formesyn, Managing Director of ITB NV and ITB Technics NV. Together with Cegelec Buildings we will be able to extend our offering and strengthen our position in the tertiary sector”. Raf Formesyn will ensure the management of ITB NV and ITB Technics NV. Stefaan Van Houteghem, son of Harry Van Houteghem, the founder of the ITB-group who wished to stop his professional activity, will continue to manage Comantec NV. The 3 companies will remain autonomous companies within the Buildings division of VINCI Energies Belgium.

“Assisting our customers in their questions about energy efficiency and energy transition is one of our main goals”, says Fabrice Montesi, Managing Director of the Buildings division of VINCI Energies Belgium. “Companies need to be agile and offer customized solutions, and thanks to this acquisition, we can offer even more added value”.