On 31 August 2019, TVH - a global player in the field of lift trucks and industrial vehicles and their spare parts - organised a big family day to celebrate its 50th anniversary. In total, the company welcomed well over 5000 guests (employees and their family members) in its headquarters in Waregem, and in its branches in Gullegem, Antwerp, Nivelles and Londerzeel. Bepco, the subsidiary in Hermalle, also celebrated.

For TVH, 2019 is all about its golden jubilee. Earlier this year, the company placed an enormous picture of its employees along the E17 motorway, to highlight the 50th anniversary. Last Saturday, the TVH employees got the opportunity to show their family members where they work. All offices, departments and warehouses, including the newly built warehouse which will be operational in 2020, were free to visit.

Fluent organisation

TVH welcomed thousands of guests during its family day. In order to keep control over the busy traffic in the industrial zone in Waregem, the organisation took a few measures. For example, the closed zone only allowed one-way traffic. The visitors could walk from one plant to another. 

The company considers its family day a true success. “Everything went smoothly and the reactions were positive”, says Isabelle Van de Voorde, Communications Manager at TVH. “The visitors really appreciated this look behind the scenes. They were particularly enthusiastic about the free passage in the different buildings, which made it possible for them to see their family member's workplace. And people also liked our smooth-running catering service. For the children, we organised a photo hunt, we arranged a bouncy castle and a TVH ball game around the company values. Many were also curious about the construction of our new head office.” 

50 years of TVH

TVH started as a small company in 1969, founded by two friends: Paul Thermote and Paul Vanhalst. 50 years later, it has become an organisation with more than 6,700 employees worldwide, and a turnover of about 1.6 billion euros in 2018. Thanks to its continuous growth, TVH always has many open vacancies. At this moment, there are about 150.

This year, even more events are planned for the employees to celebrate 50 years of TVH. In autumn, a film night is planned and, to close the anniversary year, TVH organises a large staff party with dinner and special acts.