FOF Awards

11 Belgian factories awarded the prestigious 'Factory of the Future'

Article
Walter Auwers

A record number of companies setting the standard for tomorrow's manufacturing industry

On Tuesday, February 11, Belgium's most future-ready factories took center stage, with no less than 11 companies receiving the prestigious "Factory of the Future" award, the highest number of new laureates since the awards began.

The Factory of the Future Awards honor companies excelling in digitalization, talent development, smart processes, sustainability, and world-class manufacturing. Laureates score at least 8 out of 10 on all these criteria and can carry the title for three years, after which a re-audit determines if they can maintain their status. Curious about all the winners? 
Read the full press release.

A bridge to the future

Through the Make the Future programme by Sirris and Agoria, we guide Belgian manufacturing companies through seven key transformations towards becoming a Factory of the Future. We support them in their strategic shifts, focusing strongly on innovation, sustainability, and digital growth.
By sharing insights and best practices, Make the Future helps companies not only achieve the Factory of the Future title but also maintain their competitive edge in an ever-evolving industry.

Get inspired by companies shaping the future

What truly makes a company a Factory of the Future? Let us show you through four compelling examples. Discover how Knauf Insulation, Newell Brands Belgium, Safran Blades, and Duracell Belgium transformed into future pioneers, securing the Factory of the Future Award in 2025.
 

More information about our expertise

Advanced Manufacturing

Authors

Do you have a question?

Send them to innovation@sirris.be

Smiling pink Duracell bunny - mascotte of the Duracell batterie brand - wearing an orange Duracell t-shirt and holding up big duracell battery. Duracell is one of the winners of the Factory of the Future Awards 2025.

Duracell Belgium: smart, efficient, and sustainable

With facilities in Aarschot and Heist-op-den-Berg, Duracell Belgium exemplifies strategic efficiency and smart processes. In Aarschot, batteries are produced and sent to Duracell Solutions in Heist-op-den-Berg for labeling, packaging, and global distribution. After Aarschot won the Factory of the Future Award in 2019, it’s now Heist-op-den-Berg's turn.

Duracell continually raises the bar through technology investments. Their internal transport is fully automated with Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), ensuring maximum efficiency and ergonomics. Sustainability is equally prioritized, with solar panels, electric trucks between sites, and charging stations for bikes and cars showcasing how Duracell smartly blends innovation with environmental consciousness.

Watch the video

A smiling woman carries a roll of Knauf insulation on her shoulders in a loft space to be renovated. Knauf Insulation is a winner of the Factory of the Future Awards 2025.

Knauf Insulation: 45 years of innovation and growth

Founded in 1979, Knauf Insulation's Visé site is a textbook example of continuous innovation. What started with a single furnace and production line has grown into an advanced manufacturing hub. A second line with an extra melting furnace (VB2) was added in 1995, followed by VB3 in 2005 for blown-in insulation, perfect for hard-to-reach spaces.

Thanks to this product's success, VB4 launched in 2018. Today, 220 FTEs contribute to sustainable production, combining decades of expertise with modern technology and a strong focus on energy efficiency, rightfully earning them the Factory of the Future title.

Watch the video

Female hands taking a paper printed form a DYMO device, respresenting the Newell Brands company, winner of a Factory of the Future Award in 2025

Newell Brands Belgium: from label legend to digital pioneer

DYMO, part of Newell Brands Belgium, began in the US in 1958 and arrived in Sint-Niklaas in 1963. Starting with iconic embossing printers, it evolved into a global production center for labeling solutions like D1, Rhino, Letratag, Embossing, XTL, and LabelWriter.

Since Newell Brands acquired DYMO in 2005, the company has continuously evolved. Investments in coating and injection molding upgrades, the introduction of Lean Manufacturing, and digital transformation since 2015 have reshaped the factory. 
The PEAK continuous improvement program and innovative maintenance processes earned the site both "Global Manufacturing Site of the Year" and "Best Continuous Improvement Site" awards within Newell Brands in 2024. A perfect example of tradition meeting innovation.

Watch the video

High-quality titanium compressor blades from Safran Blades, winner of the 2025 Factory of the Future Awards, on a dark purple background

Safran Blades: high-tech titanium innovation

Safran Blades’ new industrial site produces high-quality titanium compressor blades, including for the LEAP engine. This advanced facility enhances Safran Aero Boosters’ industrial expertise, focusing on their core product: the low-pressure compressor.

What sets this factory apart? It’s fully designed according to Industry 4.0 principles and based on the seven strategic transformations of the Make the Future program. Thanks to technological innovation and a future-focused approach, they have cemented their status as a true Factory of the Future.

Watch the video

Discover the Make the Future programme!

Want to know more about what Make the Future can do for your business? Find out here how this programme from Agoria and Sirris can help you transform your manufacturing company into a sustainable and innovative market leader.

For more information, contact us at innovation@sirris.be, or arrange a no-obligation appointment for an initial analysis of your business.

 

Contact us

Get an appointment

More information about Factories of the Future

Make the Future towards Factories of the Future

 

Banner Factory of the Future 2025
©Agoria

Similar articles