[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/soltech.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/SOLTECH-l-Drie-jaar-later.jpg” custom_padding=”||384px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”50px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/soltech.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Soltech_Logo03.png” title_text=”Soltech_Logo03″ align=”center” disabled_on=”on|on|off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”75%” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_color=”#113E76″ header_5_text_color=”#113E76″ background_color=”#FFFFFF” background_enable_image=”off” custom_margin=”-211px|||||” custom_margin_tablet=”-250px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”50px|50px|50px|50px|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”25px|25px|25px|25px|true|true” custom_padding_phone=”15px|15px|15px|15px|true|true” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” hover_enabled=”0″ header_text_shadow_style=”preset3″ header_text_shadow_blur_strength=”0.57em” header_text_shadow_color=”#FFFFFF” header_5_text_shadow_style=”preset3″ header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength=”0.34em” header_5_text_shadow_color=”#FFFFFF” border_radii=”on|25px|25px|25px|25px” border_width_all=”12px” border_color_all=”#F4A900″ box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”#5E5E5E” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||19px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||1px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
In the summer of 2021, Bas van de Kreeke announced his intention to put his shoulders under SOLTECH.
\nAn R&D company, spin-off of IMEC, from Tienen that ran into trouble because it could not make the step to competitive production.
\nVan de Kreeke convinced five investors to join him on a course that today reaches its climax. <\/p>\n
Soltech can make a solar panel out of anything. [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/soltech.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/SOLTECH-l-Raad-van-bestuur.jpg” alt=”SOLTECH l Board of directors came and saw that it was good” title_text=”SOLTECH l Board of directors came and saw that it was good” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n With three industrial and three financial shareholders, SOLTECH is in good hands. [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/soltech.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/SOLTECH-l-Bekijk-de-video-op-kanaal-z.png” alt=”SOLTECH l Watch the video on channel z” title_text=”SOLTECH l Watch the video on channel z” url=”https:\/\/trends.knack.be\/kanaal-z\/z-nieuws\/bekijk-soltech-slaagt-erin-om-zonne-en-ledpanelen-te-bouwen-op-vlaamse-bodem\/” url_new_window=”on” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n SOLTECH was growing fast. But building the new plant and developing machinery took longer than expected so we worked two shifts for a year to still be able to deliver to customers on time. <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n SOLTECH can make a solar panel out of anything. That was the slogan for three years. [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/soltech.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Bas-2.jpg” alt=”SOLTECH l Board of directors came and saw that it was good” title_text=”Bass (2)” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Building a solar panel factory, setting up a high-tech production line, digitizing, assembling a team, media facades in the portfolio, taking over a competitor and producing in the meantime…. Bas van de Kreeke, CEO of SOLTECH<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n And as if that were not enough, SOLTECH decided in March to take over bankrupt ISSOL. <\/p>\n “And now we’re going to pop!” said Bas. [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/soltech.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/SOLTECH-l-ISSOL-GLASSILED.jpg” alt=”SOLTECH l ISSOL & GLASSILED” title_text=”SOLTECH l ISSOL & GLASSILED” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”3px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider color=”#113E76″ divider_weight=”5px” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”10%” module_alignment=”center” min_height=”15px” custom_margin=”15px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”#113E76″ divider_weight=”5px” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”10%” module_alignment=”center” min_height=”15px” custom_margin=”15px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blog fullwidth=”off” posts_number=”9″ include_categories=”157,163″ show_more=”on” show_author=”off” show_date=”off” show_categories=”off” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|||on|||||” meta_font=”||||||||” meta_text_color=”#113E76″ border_width_all=”0px” border_color_all=”#F4A900″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#113E76″ custom_padding=”|||0px||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/soltech.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Soltech_Zonnestralen01.png” title_text=”Soltech_Solar01″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_text_color=”#113E76″ header_2_text_color=”#F4A900″ header_5_text_color=”#F4A900″ header_6_text_color=”#F4A900″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Whatever your project, Soltech puts energy into it. [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_text=”Contact us” button_alignment=”left” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Three years and 12 million euros later, there is an energy-neutral automated factory that can make not only solar panels but also media facades<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4346,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[158],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4342","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/soltech.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4342","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/soltech.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/soltech.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/soltech.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/soltech.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4342"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/soltech.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4342\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5429,"href":"https:\/\/soltech.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4342\/revisions\/5429"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/soltech.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4346"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/soltech.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4342"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/soltech.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4342"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/soltech.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4342"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\nWe could already do that in Tienen. But now we can do that in a fully automated energy-neutral factory at Thor Park in Genk.<\/strong> It took three years to develop both the production process and the customized machines.
\nTogether with IPTE, Ecoprogetti and knowledge institutions from Energyville, the R&D engineers developed high-tech machines that together form a production line that is unique in the world.
\n“Finally we can say that all the puzzle pieces are falling into place,” says Stefan Dewallef, SOLTECH’s R&D manager for more than 30 years.
\n“The machines are on point, the entire process is digitized from A to Z and we have the right people in the right place. Three years on, we can say that we have come full circle.” <\/p>\n\n
\nTheir confidence and patience in SOLTECH’s long-term vision provides a pleasant business environment. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nWatch the report on three years of SOLTECH on Channel Z<\/a><\/a><\/h3>\n
Growing hurt<\/span><\/h3>\n
\nWe went from 7 to 35 (and at times even more) employees in three years, and the size of the projects grew just as fast.
\n“With us, it’s the opposite world. Last year 30% of our products went to Asia. This year we are doing the same in America. And the projects are getting bigger and bigger,” said van de Kreeke. <\/p>\n
\n“Working two shifts, the construction of the factory and the new machines demanded a lot from our people. Sometimes we were really running on our gums. We were doing a sprint … that was as long as a marathon. Finally, we got to the finish line. I am incredibly proud of our team,” Bas said.
\nThe shareholders also had to be patient.
\nFortunately, they never lost faith in the long-term vision envisioned in the 2020 business plan. <\/span><\/p>\nBuilding materials with a plus<\/span><\/h3>\n
\nIn the meantime, the product range has broadened.
\nAfter all, Soltech took over the brand name and patents of GLASSILED from AGC.
\n“At GLASSILED, we integrate LEDs into building modules. This can be done both in transparent window glass and in non-transparent building elements.” explains Wim Hoste, COO. “Apparently, integrating LEDs is very similar to integrating solar cells. So the knowledge was available. In addition, the production process can be done partly over the same production line.” <\/p>\n\n
\nHad you told me like this three years ago, I don’t know if I would have started In between takeovers<\/span><\/h3>\n
\nThe Li\u00e8ge-based competitor ran into problems at the beginning of the year.
\nVan de Kreeke: “The bankruptcy of ISSOL came just when we needed to reposition ourselves through the acquisition of GLASSILED.
\nAfter all, we now have two business units that – although both are building materials – require a very different approach and target group.
\nISSOL will become our house brand for everything related to integrated PV, while GLASSILED is the same for integrated LED solutions. <\/p>\nAnd now?<\/span><\/h3>\n
\n“Our people can start focusing on business development and our products are coming off the line smoothly. Now is the time to come out from under the steeple even more and let the world know the SOLTECH is all set.” <\/p>\nMore news with a touch of SOLTECH<\/h1>\n
Your project full of energy<\/h2>\n
\nStand alone or building integrated.
\nWith “a touch of SOLTECH,” your project too will be a sustainable reference of its kind in no time. <\/p>\n