This is how Group Ceyssens creates buildings full of light and space.

In the previous edition of this magazine, construction company Alheembouw testified about the realization of the new, oval-shaped headquarters of the Picanol Group in Ypres. Today, we return to the site for an appointment with subcontractor Group Ceyssens. The thriving family business from Heusden-Zolder, specializing in high-quality glass and aluminum constructions, is responsible for the entire façade construction. And it turns out that a lot of machines from TVH Equipment are needed for that.

Project manager Koen Schoenmaekers (Group Ceyssens) observes from his site container how the future headquarters of the Picanol Group – a mega project with a floor area of no less than 20,000 m2 – is taking shape day by day. “When we started here in the fall of 2023, there was only a concrete skeleton,” he says. “We are handling the entire exterior shell of the building: we are responsible for the production and installation of all the glass and aluminum for the façades. We should be finished with that by mid-April.”

15 machines for 23 installers
Koen oversees the project and is intensively involved in every phase: from design to engineering and final execution and finishing. “I currently have a team of 23 installers working here,” he says. “It’s quite an organization to maximize coordination of their activities, so the site stays on schedule at all times.”

Of course, this also requires the use of many machines. Approximately once a month, Koen reviews – based on the ongoing planning – whether adjustments to the existing arsenal are needed. Today, it involves 1 telehandler, 2 scissor lifts, 5 spider lifts, 4 mast lifts, and 3 telescopic lifts. Electric or diesel? Koen Schoenmaekers: “That depends on the exact application and the location where we need to use the machine. What is the condition of the ground, what weight can it support, is the worksite easily accessible: these are all aspects I consider when making my choice.”

Excellent relationship
Group Ceyssens has regularly relied on TVH Equipment’s rental fleet for many years. “This long-term cooperation naturally creates a bond and also has its consequences,” continues Koen Schoenmaekers. “For smaller projects, we no longer spend time exploring the market. We always choose TVH Equipment for those. For larger sites, like here at the Picanol Group, I still request quotes from multiple suppliers, but price is not necessarily the deciding factor. We find it equally important to know that a supplier will fulfill their promises. With quick and good service and a wide range of quality and reliable machines, you make the difference with us.”

“And in that respect, TVH Equipment is truly unrivaled. If we face a breakdown on the site, a technician comes the same day. If the site situation changes and we need another machine quickly, TVH Equipment manages to arrange that immediately. Ruud Fey, the team leader of Rental in my region, is nowadays even somewhat of my personal helpline. If the machine of my choice is temporarily unavailable, he always finds an equivalent solution in no time. TVH Equipment is also incredibly strong in actively thinking along with the customer!”