Fernand Hermans establishes the company "FOUR ÉLECTRIQUE BELGE" focusing on thermal treatment, specifically electric heating of small-scale furnaces.
The company relocates to Brussels and begins constructing industrial electric furnaces with, in parallel, focusing on developing a revolutionary combustion control system. The company is renamed "FOUR INDUSTRIEL BELGE."
Steel wire
FIB develops a specific combustion technology that enables crucial atmosphere control for high-quality steel wire production. They construct and sell furnaces equipped with this technology to French companies involved in projects like the Tancarville Bridge in Normandy and the Aiguille du Midi cable car.
International expansion
Franz Branders, Fernand's son-in-law, joins the company. FIB secures its first contracts in Poland, Japan, and expands throughout Western Europe, the former USSR region, Czech Republic, Belarus, and South Korea.
Transitioning from furnace construction to partnering with major integrators in the automotive sector, FIB provides comprehensive solutions for complex technological demands.
FIB expands to India, Taiwan, and China.
Third generation
René Branders, a chemical engineer and Franz's son, joins the research and development team to tackle various technological challenges.
FIB Czech Republic is established as the second engineering office in Czech Republic.
FIB Germany is established, specializing in new bell furnace technologies.
FIB Belgium
"FOUR INDUSTRIEL BELGE" is rebranded as "FIB Belgium."
FIB Belgium relocates to Tubize, focusing on steel wire production line design, combustion technologies, heating solutions, and furnace manufacturing.
FIB Belgium is recognized by Ernst & Young as the "Company of the Year" in Wallonia.
FIB Belgium expands to Russia and Latin America.
FIB Belgium integrates energy transition into its thermal solutions. FIB Galvatech is established, specializing in piece galvanizing furnace manufacturing.
FIB GROUP
Formation of FIB GROUP and expansion to new markets across all five continents in three key sectors: steel wire production, hollow and foam glass production, and piece galvanizing.
The foundations
Fernand Hermans establishes the company "FOUR ÉLECTRIQUE BELGE" focusing on thermal treatment, specifically electric heating of small-scale furnaces.
The company relocates to Brussels and begins constructing industrial electric furnaces with, in parallel, focusing on developing a revolutionary combustion control system. The company is renamed "FOUR INDUSTRIEL BELGE."
Steel wire
FIB develops a specific combustion technology that enables crucial atmosphere control for high-quality steel wire production. They construct and sell furnaces equipped with this technology to French companies involved in projects like the Tancarville Bridge in Normandy and the Aiguille du Midi cable car.
International expansion
Franz Branders, Fernand's son-in-law, joins the company. FIB secures its first contracts in Poland, Japan, and expands throughout Western Europe, the former USSR region, Czech Republic, Belarus, and South Korea.
Transitioning from furnace construction to partnering with major integrators in the automotive sector, FIB provides comprehensive solutions for complex technological demands.
FIB expands to India, Taiwan, and China.
Third generation
René Branders, a chemical engineer and Franz's son, joins the research and development team to tackle various technological challenges.
FIB Czech Republic is established as the second engineering office in Czech Republic.
FIB Germany is established, specializing in new bell furnace technologies.
FIB Belgium
"FOUR INDUSTRIEL BELGE" is rebranded as "FIB Belgium."
FIB Belgium relocates to Tubize, focusing on steel wire production line design, combustion technologies, heating solutions, and furnace manufacturing.
FIB Belgium is recognized by Ernst & Young as the "Company of the Year" in Wallonia.
FIB Belgium expands to Russia and Latin America.
FIB Belgium integrates energy transition into its thermal solutions. FIB Galvatech is established, specializing in piece galvanizing furnace manufacturing.
FIB GROUP
Formation of FIB GROUP and expansion to new markets across all five continents in three key sectors: steel wire production, hollow and foam glass production, and piece galvanizing.