With the acquisition of Van Looy Group and Exilab, VK architects+engineers is further specializing in logistics and lab projects.

With the acquisition of Van Looy Group and its subsidiary Exilab, VK architects+engineers® is expanding its expertise in logistics and labs.

Van Looy Group is a consultancy and engineering firm, specialized in the design of logistics projects, more specifically warehouses, distribution centers, hubs and sorting platforms. The subsidiary Exilab is specialized in designing laboratories and cleanrooms.

With important ports in Antwerp and Rotterdam, improved multimodal infrastructure and accelerated e-commerce growth, the demand for logistics real estate in the Benelux has increased significantly in recent years. The Benelux has grown into one of the most important logistics hubs in Europe. But the food and chemical industry are also important investors in the Benelux. This translates, among other things, into an increasing demand for sustainable and energy-efficient laboratories.

Through the acquisition of these two niche players, VK architects+engineers wants to meet the increasing demand for specialized services. In addition to gaining market share, the company also sees a lot of potential in the interface between the different areas of expertise. “These markets require specialized solutions for technical installations, sustainability and fire safety. VK has already built up extensive experience and knowledge in these fields, which we can use in the projects of Van Looy and Exilab,” reports Alain Bossaer, chief operations officer, VK architects+engineers.

“The increasing scarcity of land, a tight labor market and the need for sustainability are increasing the complex demands on logistics real estate. Logistical processes, automation and sustainable architecture will be designed in an integrated way more than ever in the future. By joining forces with VK architects+engineers we can further expand this integrated approach.” dixit Kris Van Rossem, director of Van Looy Group.

In recent years, the need for R&D and GMP facilities in the research world has been growing rapidly . “To meet with this demand and with the required attention to the desired quality, it is necessary that Exilab engages into partnerships. The integration with VK only offers advantages for this,” adds Bart De Bevere, director of Exilab.

Both companies are now a subsidiary of VK architects+engineers. They will continue to operate under their own name and are based at the same location in Antwerp.