Establishment of Aclagro
Aclagro was founded in 1975 by Aimé Claeys, primarily engaged in earthworks. Hence the name Aimé CLAeys GROndwerken. Aclagro grew rapidly, gradually expanding its activities further.
Establishment of ARW
Aclagro recognized the need for a solution to the increasing waste streams in construction. A first site with a fixed crusher and mixing plant was built on the Ringvaartweg in Wondelgem.
First Temporary Storage Site (TOP)
With the launch of the first temporary storage site for soil (TOP) at the Aclagro site in Wondelgem, the service offering expanded further, and the contracting company evolved into a total provider.
Acquisition of Jean-Marie de Buck and Sylva Mannens
In 2004, Jean-Marie de Buck and Sylva Mannens acquired Aclagro. The company had a turnover of 20 million euros and 120 employees at that time.
Acquisition of Seghers Aannemingen from Kruibeke
Aclagro's first acquisition was substantial. This not only expanded the Infra division but also integrated Seghers Aannemingen's extensive experience in soil reMediation and water treatment plants into its structure.
First Relocation
Due to rapid growth, the headquarters in Zomergem quickly became too small. A move was necessary. Aclagro found an ideal site on Industrieweg in Wondelgem, with ample space and opportunities to accommodate planned growth in the coming years.
Establishment of Oryx Projects & First Brownfield Development
The group developed a taste for project development and embarked on an ambitious endeavor. An old industrial Textile site on Pynaertkaai in Ghent was transformed into a modern residential and living space: Cotton Island.
Establishment of AC Materials
The acquisition of assets from the De Dijcker Group led to the creation of AC Materials, thanks to their recycling sites in Puurs and Vlierzele. The ARW site in Ghent was also included. This expanded the number of sites to three, spread across East Flanders and Antwerp.
Acquisition of De Dijcker
The acquisition of the De Dijcker Group (DD Mix, DD Recycling, and DD Shipping), with locations in Vlierzele, Grimbergen, Puurs, and Ghent, was a significant step in the group's growth. It added 100 employees at once.
Acquisition of DD Shipping
Acquisition of DD Shipping's activities, strategically located along the Flemish waterways in Puurs and Grimbergen. They facilitate on-site handling and storage of (ocean-going) vessels. To this day, it remains a separate logistics entity within the group.
Launch of PPS Project Tondelier
Initiation of the PPS project Tondelier on GasMeterlaan in Ghent. In collaboration with the City of Ghent, the old gasworks site was reMediated and redeveloped into a unique new project.
Establishment of Square Group
The De Dijcker acquisition led to a group restructuring. The overarching holding company, Square Group, was established. All entities retained their own identity but now form one group where customers can find a complete range of construction-related services with a focus on circularity.
Acquisition of Gardin
With the acquisition of Gardin in Bruges, AC Materials gained a foothold in West Flanders and expanded its operational scope. Customers in the Bruges region can now also turn to us for the rental of containers for construction and demolition waste.
Launch of PPS Project A11, an Expressway Marvel
In 2014, work began on the A11 public-private partnership (PPP), providing a much-needed connection to the Port of Zeebrugge. The A11 is one of the largest Design-Build-Finance-Maintain (DBFM) projects in Belgium. The project, executed in a consortium, was ultimately completed in 2017.
Acquisition of Michiels H. Aannemingsbedrijf nv
With the newly acquired location in Heist-op-den-Berg, the Belgian territory was fully covered. The contracting activities were added to Aclagro, while the concrete plant and crushing yard were integrated into AC Materials.
ACM Gent: Relocation of the Old ARW Site to Kluizendok
The AC Materials site in Ghent found a new home at Kluizendok, a 15-heCTAre area intended to accommodate AC Materials' further growth.
Second Relocation
Due to group growth, a new move became necessary. A brand-new office was erected alongside the old building, designed to accommodate future growth.
We care
As Square Group, we care about our people and take responsibility for the environment in which we operate. In our pursuit of quality and sustainability, we always go the extra mile. Furthermore, we set ourselves apart as a responsible construction partner through a circular group model. This is how we truly succeed in achieving sustainable value creation.
