At Europark in Houthalen-Helchteren, the groundworks for the brand-new Smithers-Oasis plant will start at the end of this month. The worldwide and leading producer of the OASIS® floral foam products for cut, silk and dried flowers and Floralife® care products for the entire floriculture chain, plans to move into this area in the spring of 2019.
The world's first water-absorbing foam
Smithers-Oasis is a leading producer and trader of OASIS® floral foam, OASIS® floral foam related products, OASIS® grower products for the flower industry and Floralife post-harvest products. The founder of the company, V.L. Smithers, in Ohio in 1954, invented the world's first water-absorbent foam that radically changed the floral industry. Over the years, OASIS® has become one of the most trusted and well-known brands in the industry.
Florists, growers, wholesalers, garden centers, training centers for floral art, retailers, etc. all belong to the customer base of Smithers-Oasis.
The American Smithers Oasis, with more than 20 branches a global player, has been active in Belgium since 1969. First in Zwartberg and later with a branch in Houthalen-Helchteren.
New start
A devastating fire laid, almost two years ago, the previous building - in the same location - in ashes. In the meantime, the company found shelter in an adjoining rental building at the Europark in
Houthalen-Helchteren. With the announcement of the new building, the company is ready to turn a page and start a new chapter.
"The BeNeLux is an important sales market for our group and we look forward with confidence to a prosperous future, to the new building and the further digital expansion of our company" says Chris Martens, Managing Director of Smithers-Oasis Belgium NV "The new building, which largely consists of storage space for our products with an integrated office, is an important logistical link in the BeNeLux "
That Smithers-Oasis has not been idle, also proves the new product that was presented last summer, namely OASIS® Black Ideal Floral Foam - the Designer's choice. "Once again confirmation that the choice for design is important in the flower industry sector. Our building cannot be inferior "according to a satisfied Chris Martens.
New building dream
The design of the new building was made by M10 architects from Lille. The execution is in the hands of contractor Mathieu Gijbels from Opglabbeek.
About Smithers-Oasis
Smithers-Oasis, founded in 1954 in Ohio, is the inventor and world's leading producer of OASIS® floral foam products for cut, silk and dried flowers. The global brands are OASIS® Floral Products, OASIS® Grower Solutions and Floralife®.
About nv Mathieu Gijbels
Nv Mathieu Gijbels is a 'prospective' contractor from Opglabbeek specialized in business and office construction. Mathieu Gijbels has a solution for every building requirement. From new construction, renovation to service and maintenance. In 2017 the company realized a turnover of almost 80 million euros with about 304 employees. The head office of Mathieu Gijbels is located in Opglabbeek. In the first half of 2016, the company opened a new office in the Ghent region for East and West Flanders, and a sales office in Nivelles.
