Valcke Prefab Beton has a solid (pun intended) reputation. For four generations, this company based in Ypres has been building concrete buildings - totalling more than 20,000. Valcke is also active across the border with sister company Traconord. A brand-new site in Steenvoorde was recently commissioned. This investment reflects Valcke's confidence in northern France as a growth market. Managing director Charles Valcke showed us around the new building, where sustainability was a priority, with the use of AQUALEX taps.
Valcke Prefab Beton focuses on the construction of industrial buildings. "We provide everything until the building is wind- and waterproof: from earthworks and foundations, the production and installation of all precast concrete elements and the installation of the roof, windows and gates, skylights and domes,... The engineering, transport and assembly are all handled in-house," explains Charles Valcke.
Since 1960, the company has also been present in the French market. "From the beginning, we have also established a home base here, which is really a must, considering the different regulations, standards and culture. Until recently, we had 2 sites, but that entailed a lot of logistical challenges. A centralisation of operations was a logical step." Traconord discovered the ideal location at a new business park in Steenvoorde. "The site is located about 20 minutes' drive from the Ypres site and along the Lille-Dunkirk axis - which comes in handy now that a lot of companies are building in and around the port of Dunkirk. We started the construction works in September 2021 and moved in a year later. And now, in May 2023
A successful combination
The building was - how could it be otherwise - constructed in concrete. The floating stairs in the hall are a great eye-catcher, just like the successful combination of the concrete with softer materials such as wood. The new building is surrounded by greenery, next to a pond, with a lot of plants on the terrace as well. And the building is also very energy-efficient. "We decided to provide more insulation than is mandatory. There is no gas connection. But there are solar panels on the roof and charging stations for electric cars," Charles explains. This guarantees a pleasant working environment for some 45 French employees. "They appreciate the great feeling of spaciousness and light. The multi-purpose room upstairs even provides entertainment, such as a kicker table and a comfortable terrace with picnic tables."
The Valcke Prefab Beton building in Ypres was already titted with some AQUALEX appliances. "Therefore the decision was quickly made to also equip this new building with Traconord AQUALEX taps" says Charles. " Partly for sustainability reasons, of course, and partly for the comfort of our customers, suppliers and staff. So, it also fits in with our employer branding."
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