IN CELEBRATION OF HIS LIFE!
ALPHONSE STROOBANTS | 1931 - 2010
 Alphonse Stroobants, an immigrant of Belgium, started Belgium Tool & Die Company in 1962 at age 31. Al brought with him a European tradition of quality and craftsmanship and a drive for excellence that served this precision machinery company well and is still felt today. The company, under his leadership, grew steadily and people trained in precision machining at Belgium Tool & Die were known to be among the most skilled machinists throughout the region.
In the mid 1970’s, Al Stroobants led the company into a new strategic direction that was to change the company forever. Al undertook to design and build a high speed two piece can trimmer. This success of this endeavor gave birth to a new future for the company and a new name, Belvac Production Machinery. In 1982, Al purchased the assets of Irvin Industries, which became the foundation for Belvac’s necker technology.
Al retired from Belgium Tool & Die Company in 1990 when he sold the company to an investment group led by TCW Capital and a few managers. In 1993 Belvac Production Machinery was purchased by Dover Corporation. Dozens of employees, still at Belvac, were hired by Al, worked for him, and learned what is important to achieve a successful business. Even today, 20 years later, his insistence on achieving his objectives of quality, flexibility & service still permeate the culture at Belvac. When Al owned and operated Belgium Tool & Die nothing was more important to Al than providing the finest quality equipment, parts and service to every single customer. Al cared very much for his co-workers and was the first to assist with advice, valuable counsel, and personal assistance in any way necessary.
Al was well known for his philanthropy and generosity in the local community with his time talent and treasure. He gave millions to create a top-notch cardiac center, to service groups helping teenagers, and to colleges, universities, and private schools. Al was 78 years old and will be missed. |
