Description

AVR, manufacturer of a full range of potato harvesting machines and a world player in that market segment, is concluding its 175th anniversary year with the festive opening of its revamped head office. No fewer than 50 additional jobs have been created in the main office building in order to support AVR’s continued growth.

 

Expansion head office

The considerable expansion of the head office along Meensesteenweg is the latest in a series of recent investments: from the opening of a new production hall in 2016 - increasing the total production area by half at the time - to the opening of the new German branch in 2023 and an expansion of the R&D department with 12 additional staff and a lab in that same year. In early 2024 AVR embarked on a significant expansion and renovation project in its head office.

“We are truly experiencing substantial growth”, says AVR’s Managing Director Stefan Top. “In 2005, 60 staff generated a turnover of €12 million. In 2015 we realised a turnover of €39 million with 130 staff and this year we’re on track to break the €100 million barrier with just over 250 staff.”

“We’ve racked up a number of nominations for the Trends Gazelles”, (ed. 10 nominations) Top laughs. “This impressive growth is fuelled primarily by the development of the processing industry but the growing demand for efficient and sustainable agricultural solutions also plays its part. That is why we continue to invest, often in research & development, to create innovative machines that boost productivity while cutting costs.”

“The development process of these machines has become considerably more complex. Engineers must work with agronomists, software developers and data analysts to design machines that are not only exceptionally reliable from a mechanical standpoint but that also enable our customers to engage in sustainable farming. This requires a multidisciplinary approach and constant innovation to meet legal requirements while satisfying the evolving needs of the agricultural sector.”

“Our staff are our capital. Their dedication, expertise and hard work are the driving force behind our growth and success. Every member of the AVR family has played a crucial role in shaping our business into what it is today. Our motto captures this perfectly: “Amazing machines. Amazing people.”. Therefore it seemed only fitting that they should be the first to festively inaugurate the new HQ.”

 

Festive opening

The fully renovated and expanded head office will be officially inaugurated in three stages. On Friday 22 November, ahead of the official opening, the staff are invited to a full day of team building activities at the revamped site. On Saturday 23 November, on the eve of the industry trade show Interpom at Kortrijk Xpo, AVR has invited its dealers from across the globe to a fantastic evening event. On that occasion, mayor Kris Declercq will officially inaugurate the building.

On 21 December AVR is looking forward to welcoming its customers and sector peers for a festive conclusion to the 175th anniversary year. Tours of the plant, exhibited machines and catching up over refreshments around a winter fire: that is the warm recipe for AVR Winter Fest. Registering is required. Keep an eye on our social media for full details.

 

Anniversary year

The story of AVR starts in 1849 when Pieter Vansteenkiste founds a modest forge in downtown Roeselare where he manufactures agriculture and horticulture tools. The business is later named after his son: Alfons Vansteenkiste Roeselare. AVR is born. 175 years later AVR is still a family-run business and has developed into a world leader in the production of agricultural machines for the potato industry. A history of transformation and specialisation.

“But our mission remains unchanged,” insists Top. “We manufacture, sell and service machines for potato growers who wish to work more efficiently and more sustainably. We market innovative technologies and products that make it possible to store more saleable potatoes with less effort in less time, using less fuel and with less soil compaction.”

”And that mission is more socially relevant than ever. We aim to be the partner par excellence for those farmers who are taking up the challenges of tomorrow”, Top concludes.

As a result of that continuous growth, AVR is always on the lookout for new amazing colleagues in a variety of areas: from administrative roles in, for example, the purchase department, to very technical profiles such as design and software engineers, mechanics and testers. Go to jobs.avr.be for all vacancies.

 

Photos

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Press contact

Majna Seurinck        |  Marketing & Communication Manager 

+32 (0)51 24 55 66  |  majnaseurinck@avr.be

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About AVR

AVR manufactures a full range of potato machinery. From planting bed preparation, planting and ridging to haulm topping, harvesting and storing.

The mission of AVR is clear: we manufacture, market and service machines for potato growers who wish to work more sustainably and efficiently. We market innovative technology and products that make it possible to store more saleable potatoes with less effort in less time, using less fuel and with less soil compaction.

In everything we do - from conceiving and developing our machines to our sustainable collaboration with customers and dealers - we live up to our core values: respect, reliability, ingenuity and commitment.

Internationally AVR employs 250 amazing staff and boasts a network of over 100 dealers in 50 countries. In 2023 AVR realised a turnover of €96 million.

AVR is a Belgian family business with 175 years of experience and is headquartered in Roeselare. It also has branches in the Netherlands and Germany.