Our History

Our journey

Since the establishment of square Group in 1975, Square Group has embarked on a remarkable journey and continues to pave the way forward. Curious about our origins and the direction in which we are evolving today as a circular construction group?

1975 

Establishment of Aclagro

Establishment of Aclagro Aclagro was founded in 1975 by Aimé Claeys, primarily engaged in earthworks. Hence the name Aimé CLAeys GROndwerken. Aclagro grew rapidly, gradually expanding its activities further.

1999

Establishment of ARW 

Aclagro recognized the need for a solution to the increasing waste streams in construction. A first site with a fixed crusher and mixing plant was built on the Ringvaartweg in Wondelgem.

2001

First Temporary Storage Site (TOP)

With the launch of the first temporary storage site for soil (TOP) at the Aclagro site in Wondelgem, the service offering expanded further, and the contracting company evolved into a total provider.

2004

Acquisition of Jean-Marie de Buck and Sylva Mannens

In 2004, Jean-Marie de Buck and Sylva Mannens acquired Aclagro. The company had a turnover of 20 million euros and 120 employees at that time.

2006

The acquisition of seghers Aannemingen in Kruibeke

The acquisition of Seghers Aannemingen in Kruibeke was Aclagro's first major acquisition. This not only expanded the Infrastructure department but also allowed Aclagro to immediately integrate Seghers Aannemingen's extensive experience in soil remediation and water purification installations into its structure.

2006

First Relocation

Due to rapid growth, the headquarters in Zomergem quickly became too small. A move was necessary. Aclagro found an ideal site on Industrieweg in Wondelgem, with ample space and opportunities to accommodate planned growth in the coming years.

2007

Establishment of Oryx Projects & First Brownfield Development

The group developed a taste for project development and embarked on an ambitious endeavor. An old industrial Textile site on Pynaertkaai in Ghent was transformed into a modern residential and living space: Cotton Island.

2012

Establishment of AC Materials

The acquisition of assets from the De Dijcker Group led to the creation of AC Materials, thanks to their recycling sites in Puurs and Vlierzele. The ARW site in Ghent was also included. This expanded the number of sites to three, spread across East Flanders and Antwerp.

2012

Acquisition of De Dijcker

The acquisition of the De Dijcker Group (DD Mix, DD Recycling, and DD Shipping), with locations in Vlierzele, Grimbergen, Puurs, and Ghent, was a significant step in the group's growth. It added 100 employees at once.

2012

Acquisition of DD Shipping

Acquisition of DD Shipping's activities, strategically located along the Flemish waterways in Puurs and Grimbergen. They facilitate on-site handling and storage of (ocean-going) vessels. To this day, it remains a separate logistics entity within the group.

2012

Initation of PPS Project Tondelier

Initiation of the PPS project Tondelier on GasMeterlaan in Ghent. In collaboration with the City of Ghent, the old gasworks site was reMediated and redeveloped into a unique new project.

2012

Establishment of Square Group

The De Dijcker acquisition led to a group restructuring. The overarching holding company, Square Group, was established. All entities retained their own identity but now form one group where customers can find a complete range of construction-related services with a focus on circularity.

2013

Acquisition of Gardin

With the acquisition of Gardin in Bruges, AC Materials gained a foothold in West Flanders and expanded its operational scope. Customers in the Bruges region can now also turn to us for the rental of containers for construction and demolition waste.

2014

Launch of PPS Project A11, a masterpiece of highways

In 2014, work began on the A11 public-private partnership (PPP), providing a much-needed connection to the Port of Zeebrugge. The A11 is one of the largest Design-Build-Finance-Maintain (DBFM) projects in Belgium. The project, executed in a consortium, was ultimately completed in 2017.

2020

Acquisition of Michiels H. Aannemingsbedrijf nv

With the newly acquired location in Heist-op-den-Berg, the Belgian territory was fully covered. The contracting activities were added to Aclagro, while the concrete plant and crushing yard were integrated into AC Materials.

2022

ACM Gent: Relocation of the Old ARW Site to Kluizendok

The AC Materials site in Ghent found a new home at Kluizendok, a 15-heCTAre area intended to accommodate AC Materials' further growth.

2022

Second Relocation

Due to group growth, a new move became necessary. A brand-new office was erected alongside the old building, designed to accommodate future growth.

We care

As Square Group, we care about our people and take responsibility for the environment in which we operate. In our pursuit of quality and sustainability, we always go the extra mile. Furthermore, we distinguish ourselves even more as a responsible construction partner thanks to our circular group model. This is how we truly succeed in achieving sustainable value creation.

See how we care

Career Opportunities

Career Opportunities

Looking for a challenge within a dynamic and growing group that invests in people and emphasizes sustainable business practices? At Square Group, we offer a vast array of opportunities across various fields of activity for candidates who share our drive, focus, and enthusiasm.

Build your career with us