The History of Imatex
1953: Raphael Coosemans
Raphaël Coosemans begins the small-scale production of acrylic dishes for butchers in his garage in Schoten. Before long, the demand for his products grows and he extends the range of products.
1970:
Jacques and Fernand, his two sons, join the business and the workplace is relocated in 1973 to Sluizenstraat, at that time a dirt road leading to the Schoten Canal. There was extensive investment in machinery at this location to broaden the range of activities. Imatex is now able to offer folding, bending, glueing, etc.
1978: Jacques Coosemans
Following the death of Raphael Coosemans, Jacques and Fernand take charge of Imatex which now numbers 17 employees. In 1981, and again in 1983, the existing workplace is extended to a total surface area of 3400m².
With the arrival in 1984 of Jacques’ and Fernand’s nephew Christophe Marchand, Imatex also starts to specialise in vacuum forming.
1989: The assembly of the 5-axis laser in 1989
Imatex, with its workforce now up to 60 employees, is the market leader in Benelux. With the advance of CNC-controlled machines, Imatex is the first in Benelux to invest in a 5-axis laser cutting machine. Imatex hereby projects itself further as a technologically innovative company.
1996: Het the workforce in 2001
Demand for vacuum forming continues to grow and new machines are purchased and installed in a new hall. The total surface area of the workplace is now 5800m².
2005: Gilles joins the business.
Gilles, eldest son of Jacques, joins the business. He takes commercial development under his wing.
2007: Additional storage space is constructed
Despite the general financial crisis, Imatex continues to grow and additional storage space is constructed. This increased storage capacity enables Imatex to respond in a smart way to the demand for flexible lead times.
2010: Damien, Jacques’ second son, bolsters the team.
Damien, Jacques’ second son, bolsters the team. He devotes himself to further developing the company’s technical side.
2013: Sébastien completes the company’s current management team
The arrival of Sébastien, younger brother of Gilles and Damien, completes the company’s current management team. He manages the financial and administrative aspects of the business.
Jacques gradually leaves the day-to-day operation of the business to the 3rd generation.
2017: Imatex investment plan for machinery is rolled out
An extensive investment plan for machinery is rolled out. In the following years yet more high-tech machines will be purchased.
2019: Energy-saving, optimisation and efficiency
An active environmental policy is introduced. Energy-saving, optimisation and efficiency are key objectives of company policy.
There is a 4000m² investment in solar panels.
