Since its founding in 1874, Garsou-Angenot has consistently reinvented itself to meet economic challenges, diversifying to become a leader in transport and logistics. Discover the key milestones of its evolution over the decades.
This year, we celebrate an exceptional milestone: 150 years of innovation and evolution in the transport and logistics sector.
In this third article dedicated to our anniversary, we invite you to discover two key moments in our history:
- Our transformation after the textile crisis and the diversification of our activities.
- The story of the founding activities of the company.
These two subjects perfectly illustrate our ability to evolve while staying grounded in our core values.
A Successful Diversification
Founded during the prosperity of the Verviers wool industry, Garsou-Angenot remained closely tied to this activity for a long time.
However, the textile crisis of the 1950s-70s, coupled with the oil crisis, forced the company to reinvent itself and turn to other sectors.
Key Steps in Our Transformation
- Until the end of 1992: Activities evenly split between transport and customs brokerage.
- January 1, 1993: Opening of borders, leading to the closure of several offices and a shift towards transport.
- 1994: Specialization in Switzerland and Austria, launch of groupage lines to France.
- 2000: Creation of a distribution service for the Benelux.
- 2003: Opening of an air freight department (Air Freight) at Brussels Airport.
- 2010: Intensification of lines to Germany and Eastern Europe.
- End of 2013: Relocation to Plénesses and development of logistics activities (storage, handling, labeling, packaging, etc.).
- 2014: Membership in the Astre network and its Palet System, facilitating small shipment distribution across Europe.
- 2019: Expansion of groupage lines to Italy and achieving the FSSC 22000 certification, strengthening market share in the food industry.
- 2020-2024: Acquisition of a 5-hectare plot in 2020, with 2 new 8,000 m² warehouses opening. The company now operates 25,000 m² of warehouses on 7.5 hectares.
Since 1874, Garsou-Angenot has continuously evolved to offer high-quality services in line with the needs of its clients. We proudly celebrate our past and look forward to ambitious projects ahead.
Back to the Roots: Wool and the Customs Brokerage
In the 19th century, Verviers was the heart of Europe's wool industry, propelling Belgium to the rank of the second largest economic power in the world. It was in this flourishing context that Garsou-Angenot was born, specializing from the outset in the transport of wool bales "intra-muros", a vital service for the smooth operation of local factories.
For nearly 100 years, this activity represented 95% of the company’s transport turnover, playing a key role in the region's economic vitality and the reputation of the Verviers wool industry. However, in the 1970s, the textile crisis and the decline of the wool industry forced the company to pivot and explore new horizons.
The arrival of the Common Market in 1993, with the removal of customs borders, had a profound effect on the company's economic model. The customs brokerage business, which had been a pillar of Garsou-Angenot since its inception, was significantly reduced, leading to a 50% drop in the company's overall turnover, forcing it to undergo a deep restructuring.
It was during this period of transition that the company began its strategic diversification of services, a decisive turning point that allowed it to position itself on emerging markets. Today, the customs brokerage activity remains strong at both sites and has even been strengthened in recent years, particularly with the new challenges posed by Brexit.
Why Choose Garsou-Angenot?
- Expertise and versatility: We manage shipments of all sizes, by road, sea, or air, from 1 kg to 25 tons.
- Adaptability and responsiveness: With over 5,000 shipments per month, we stay at the forefront to meet market challenges while ensuring fast and reliable service.
- Team spirit and family culture: Trust and collaboration are at the heart of our company. Our tight-knit team works together to deliver tailored solutions.
Stay Connected!
We can't wait to share more inspiring stories and exciting projects that will help shape the future of our company.
If you have any questions or service requests, don't hesitate to contact us. Your satisfaction is at the heart of our mission!
Thank you for your trust and support over the years.
The Garsou-Angenot Team