What actually makes Matthys nv successful? Charlotte Matthys, responsible for Sales & Marketing in the family business and daughter of the current CEO Wim Matthys, knows the answer: "Our machines are reliable and durable. We listen to our customers and support them closely. That's why we have many regular customers, because long-term partnerships with our customers are very important to us. To this day, we have customers for whom my grandfather worked."

Handling and Processing

Historically, the focus has been on machinery for the textile industry. However, it is not about the production of textiles (for example, weaving), but about their processing and handling. "Our special expertise lies in unwinding and rewinding textiles, as well as in cutting, packaging, and transporting," explains Charlotte Matthys.

"Our machines are always individually tailored to the requirements of our clients. In doing so, we use standard components wherever possible, whose combination results in a solution customized for the customer." From the design to the installation of the machines at the customers' sites, everything is carried out in-house. In addition to the textile industry, Matthys also supplies companies in the automotive and healthcare sectors, manufacturers of plastic fabrics, and the construction industry.

Digital and sustainable

Matthys' high degree of digitalization is obvious. The operation uses its own ERP system, and each engineer can access the current status of a project at any time. The entire processes are almost paperless and the complete materials management is digitally connected.

If desired, Matthys' experts can also digitally access their equipment at the customer's site. There are interfaces for digitalization also in sustainability activities, as Head of Engineering Steven Goegebeur points out: "About 80% of our vehicles are electrically driven and for power generation, we have installed solar panels on almost all roofs. Currently, we are looking into the possibility of storing their electricity in batteries over the weekend. However, we also focus on energy efficiency in our machines. For example, we use the energy generated during braking by feeding it back into the machine or into the power grid." "Our machines are also very durable," says Charlotte Matthys, pointing out another aspect. "And because they are mostly made of metal, they can be optimally recycled after their life cycle."

Corporate Group

In 1956, Raphael Matthys, the grandfather of Charlotte Matthys, founded what is today Matthys nv together with his brother Michel. They initially focused on the customer-specific modification of existing machines, later they built their own plants. In 1986, Wim Matthys, the son of Raphael Matthys, joined the company and expanded the portfolio over the next years. For instance, the production area was expanded from 3,300 to 9,000 m² in 1998. The internationalization started in 2003, and two years later a new, 6,000 m² production hall was constructed.

With the founding of the company MGC Subcontracting in 2010, Matthys also established itself as a contract manufacturer for milling, turning, and rolling work. Today, under the roof of Matthys Group, in addition to Matthys nv, there are Motiv, specialized in industrial automation and robotics, and MGC Subcontracting. 100 employees currently work at Matthys Group, with revenue approaching 25 million EUR.

Agent for Germany Wanted

Matthys machines are in demand far beyond Belgium, as confirmed by an export share of around 70%. The focus of global internationalization is on the European market. "Most of our orders come through recommendations," explains Steven Goegebeur. "In addition, we often work with large, globally operating OEMs that in turn offer our systems to their end customers."

The online presence of Matthys is currently being renewed, and the company also presents itself at trade fairs such as Techtextil in Frankfurt and the Textile & Garment Technology Exhibition (ITMA). Flat hierarchies, mutual respect, and low turnover characterize the culture in the family business. To continue to grow organically and stably, Matthys is looking for an agent with good knowledge in textiles and mechanical engineering for the German market. Furthermore, the transition to the 3rd generation with Charlotte and her siblings Valérie and Justin is on the agenda, as well as the acquisition of new customer groups outside the textile industry. Additionally, a new hall with a modern powder coating plant is currently being constructed.