Wallonia at the Heart of Europe: The Choice of Global Industry Leaders

Establishing a strategic business in an increasingly competitive environment, like among the European regions, is a crucial decision. Several international groups have chosen to set up their operations in Wallonia.

Across various sectors, such as technology, biopharmaceuticals, logistics, and hospitality, many reached the same conclusion: location, skills, stability, public support, and the capacity for innovation create an environment conducive to long-term success. We will examine the case studies of Google (USA), Skechers (USA), Takeda (Japan), and Van der Valk Business (Netherlands). 

GOOGLE - strategic infrastructure and digital sovereignty 

Google's total investment in Belgium, including the €5 billion announced for 2025, now amounts to over €11 billion since the launch of its first data centre in Saint-Ghislain in 2007. The campus is currently expanding with the addition of a seventh building. 

The initial choice was based on a combination of factors specific to this region: “energy availability, access to water for cooling, connectivity, land available for potential expansion, and the quality of the road network,” explains Frédéric Descamps, Head of Operations. Saint-Ghislain has emerged as a strategic link in the European cloud infrastructure, including AI, critical digital services, as well as storage and processing capabilities. 

The company's innovation is not limited to digital technologies. "Saint-Ghislain is the first site to have on-site solar energy production, thanks to a solar park inaugurated in 2017. Its capacity has since been increased. Following a pilot project, we switched to water treatment using CO₂ rather than acid, which has reduced our water consumption and the use of hazardous chemicals. We have also installed electrical energy storage batteries." 

The local impact has been even more significant: “We support local sponsorship initiatives and contributed to the establishment of a Master's programme in data centre engineering with the Haute École de Mons.” This has encouraged the American group to develop other projects. Today, the site employs approximately 900 people and works with 80 suppliers in Wallonia. 

SKECHERS - European logistics hub and job stability 

For over 20 years, the American company Skechers has been distributing sports and leisure shoes throughout Europe from its base in Wallonia. As one of the largest employers in Wallonia, the site employs over 1,200 people. 

“We had investment opportunities in other European countries, but we chose Wallonia because of its geographical location and the availability of land,” explains Sophie Houtmeyers, Managing Director of Skechers EDC. “We also benefited from strong support and advice from the local authorities.” 

This convinced the parent company in the United States to embark on this venture in Wallonia. A project to build new infrastructure at the Liège airport site is underway. "Maintaining jobs here was a decisive factor. Team stability is a key performance driver." This is all the more true given that teams remain loyal to the company, sometimes across several generations. At the same time, multimodal transport options, proximity to European transport hubs, and social stability also weighed heavily in the decision."

Meanwhile, the Milmort site has become a European logistics hub for the group. It handles large volumes and operates 24/7. The site provides thousands of jobs that cannot be outsourced, in a stable industrial environment, while integrating both local partners and training providers. 

TAKEDA - Industrial excellence and global presence in the biopharmaceutical sector 

The Lessines site is now the group's third largest production site worldwide. Specializing in immunoglobulins, it helps patients in more than 80 countries. 

After investing €118 million in a production line in 2021, Takeda announced in 2022 an investment of nearly €300 million for the construction of a new, state-of-the-art production unit, which will be operational in early 2027. This investment was accompanied by the construction of a new zero-carbon warehouse in Lessines, operational since 2024. Without wishing to disparage other European regions, Thierry Pestiaux, director of the Takeda site in Lessines, affirms that "Wallonia offers significant advantages: scientific expertise, a skilled workforce, and close collaboration between industry, universities, and public authorities."

The site stands out for its industrial performance, scientific expertise, and pioneering approach to sustainability. "Lessines is the first pharmaceutical production site in the world to recycle 60% of its wastewater for reuse in drug manufacturing. This saves 1.2 million liters per day." 

With a workforce of 1,200 people from 23 different countries, working around the clock, Lessines also exemplifies the human dimension of the Walloon model. “Belgium has a particularly strong ecosystem in the life sciences sector. Our collective capabilities can help adapt and accelerate skills development.” Thus, continuing professional development, partnerships with the education sector, and professional development initiatives become strategic drivers. 

VAN DER VALK - Structure-generating systems 

This Dutch family group has been present in Wallonia since 1977, with 19 hotels in the region. It is now continuing its expansion, with major projects planned at Liège airport and in Charleroi. 

Its strategy is based on establishing hotels along major economic routes: airports, city centers, and business hubs. "We strive for a constant balance between business travel and leisure stays to ensure year-round activity," explains Francois Breuer, CFO of Van der Valk. The hotel chain has created 700 jobs in Wallonia. 

But Van der Valk's impact extends beyond the hotel sector itself. This is what makes the brand unique: in addition to the hotel, it includes a restaurant, wellness facilities, and function rooms. "Each property functions as an economic microcosm, attracting both visitors and businesses. Investing in the hotel acts as a catalyst for the region. Business attracts business. Sometimes, local authorities contact us directly to establish a Van der Valk hotel in their area." 

Their ambitions are great: "We plan to open two new establishments in the centre of Charleroi and at Liège airport over the next two years. At the same time, we are exploring the French market, where our experience in Wallonia will be a real asset." 

Infrastructure, a skilled workforce, stability, and an industrial vision are all key factors that make Wallonia a strategic partner at the heart of Europe. Wallonia does more than just attract investment; it lays lasting foundations. 

WAB Magazine

FIrst published in French on Wallonia.be