SNAPSHOT
MAKING MORE POSSIBLE
WAAK - Belgium
As a work integration social enterprise, WAAK sets itself apart through quality, reliability and service – the very same qualities it expects from its machine suppliers. Its entire sheet metalworking department runs on LVD technology.
WAAK celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2025, marking six decades of creating employment opportunities for people facing barriers to the labour market. With more than 2,000 employees, it's the largest work integration social enterprise in Flanders.
Jürgen Baert, Director of the Metal Assembly Unit: “Our focus goes beyond sheet metalworking alone. We take a full-service approach, supporting customers throughout the entire process by also providing assembly and cabling services. From raw sheet metal to the finished product – including engineering and supply chain optimisation – everything is handled under one roof as a true one-stop shop. This allows our employees to fully develop their technical talents and continue to grow. Ultimately, the goal is to help them transition into the mainstream labour market.”
Jürgen Baert, Metal Assembly Director
“Our partnership goes back many years. I think we have an LVD press brake from almost every generation in use.”
Machines and people
The metal assembly department currently employs approximately 200 staff, around 80% of whom have support needs. The machinery is every bit as advanced as that of any traditional sheet metalworking company. “Automation and manual work may seem contradictory, but we look at where automation genuinely adds value by making demanding tasks easier. The laser cutting system automatically retrieves sheets from the warehouse. They operate the press brake independently, while a job coach supports machine setup and first part inspection,” explains Jürgen.
Long-term relationships
LVD sheet metal working machines are found throughout the production floor. “Our partnership goes back many years. I think we have an LVD press brake from almost every generation in use,” laughs Jürgen. A quick glance at the nameplate of the oldest machine tells us it dates from ’89. “We don’t believe in short-term projects, neither with customers nor with suppliers. Buying a machine is only the beginning. That’s when training, maintenance and technical support really matter – and when you need a true partner. LVD has really proven itself in that respect.”
Responding to the market
The most recent press brakes are three 110-ton, 3-meter Easy-Form press brakes, equipped with sheet followers, hydraulic clamping and the Easy-Form® Laser adaptive angle measurement system. “Although we still have large production runs, we’ve seen batch sizes steadily decline. That’s why we chose press brakes with significantly shorter setup and changeover times. They complement the nine other LVD press brakes already in operation, allowing us to assign each job to the most suitable machine based on part complexity and order size. Wherever possible, we leave the tooling in place to maximise efficiency.”
Performance and quality
Even so, WAAK benchmarks every investment against competing manufacturers. The most recent purchase, the Strippit PX-1530 punching machine with FA-P automation, was preceded by thorough market research.
“Performance and quality are always our top priorities. The new LVD punch press ticks every box. What’s more, with the CADMAN® software, we can bring everything together on a single platform, from production planning and monitoring to the control of each individual machine. No other machine manufacturer could demonstrate a technical advantage that would justify a switch.”
“Performance and quality are always our top priorities. The new LVD punch press ticks every box."
From two to one
The Strippit PX-1530 with FA-P has effectively replaced two older punch presses thanks to its speed and versatility. The older machines remain on the shop floor as backup, but production has largely shifted to the new machine. “We can now create flanges up to 75 mm, tap holes and carry out 3D-forming on a single machine. We have plenty of parts that require these features. Punching and laser cutting perfectly complement each other. Having both technologies in-house allows us to choose the most efficient process for every part.”
PROFILE
Company:
WAAK
Since:
1965
Industry:
Assembly for EV charging stations, HVAC, and automative appliances – circular projects
Works with:
Steel, stainless steel, Zinkor and Magnelis-coated steel, and aluminium, in thicknesses ranging from 0.6 to 6mm
Text: Valérie Couplez, Metaalvak
Image: WAAK
