In Belgium is a born European manufacturer of laundry equipment with a worldwide reputation.
In 1933, Mr. Camille Lapauw, father of the current owner, Romain Lapauw, started to manufacture air compressors and water pumps for the local customers in the flax industry. At the same time many small farmers were being pushed out by large consolidators and turned to the laundry industry for survival. They needed equipment. Aware of Mr. Lapauw's work and reputation, they asked him for help. Recognizing the need, he began to fulfill it.
In 1945, Mr. Lapauw designed his first 500 mm (20") roll ironer which was built entirely by hand ! The ironer was conceived wich a revolutionary design. Incorporating the idea of putting two beds around a roll , this new concept could compensate the constantly changing conditions of the diameter size of the roll caused by factors such as aging, moisture, etc. With self-adjusted beds, the end result was also greater production achieved by increasing the surface contact by 15% (196 angle) as compared to the classic ironer with the same size roll.
Later, at the request of launderers, Mr. Lapauw moved into production of washing machines, extractors, shirt finishing presses etc. .
His son Romain was a born European willing to venture across the boarders of his narrow territory by his skills and enterpreneurial spirit. Today, Romain Lapauw and his two sons, Yves and Dominique, are at the helm. They lead the probably largest single privately owned factory in laundry business, covering 20 000 m² under one roof. The company employs 149 people in total.
The factory has the advantage of a central location which offers rapid, efficient transport by air and sea. Brussels international airport is served by 63 foreign companies.
Antwerp is the most productive port in the world, second port in Europe and at the top 10 place on the world list.
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