AVR opens revamped head office at the conclusion of 175th anniversary year

AVR, manufacturer of a full range of potato harvesting machines and a world player in that market segment, is concluding its 175th anniversary year with the festive opening of its revamped head office. No fewer than 50 additional jobs have been created in the main office building in order to support AVR’s continued growth.

Expansion head office

The considerable expansion of the head office along Meensesteenweg is the latest in a series of recent investments: from the opening of a new production hall in 2016 - increasing the total production area by half at the time - to the opening of the new German branch in 2023 and an expansion of the R&D department with 12 additional staff and a lab in that same year. In early 2024 AVR embarked on a significant expansion and renovation project in its head office.

AVR's renovated office

Stefan Top, Managing Director at AVR:

"We are truly experiencing substantial growth. In 2005, 60 staff generated a turnover of EUR 12 million (USD 13.2 million) . In 2015 we realised a turnover of EUR 39 million (USD 42.9 million) with 130 staff and this year we’re on track to break the EUR 100 million (USD 110 million) barrier with just over 250 staff. We’ve racked up a number of nominations for the Trends Gazelles."

"This impressive growth is fuelled primarily by the development of the processing industry but the growing demand for efficient and sustainable agricultural solutions also plays its part. That is why we continue to invest, often in research & development, to create innovative machines that boost productivity while cutting costs."

"The development process of these machines has become considerably more complex. Engineers must work with agronomists, software developers and data analysts to design machines that are not only exceptionally reliable from a mechanical standpoint but that also enable our customers to engage in sustainable farming. This requires a multidisciplinary approach and constant innovation to meet legal requirements while satisfying the evolving needs of the agricultural sector."

"Our staff are our capital. Their dedication, expertise and hard work are the driving force behind our growth and success. Every member of the AVR family has played a crucial role in shaping our business into what it is today. Our motto captures this perfectly: “Amazing machines. Amazing people.”. Therefore it seemed only fitting that they should be the first to festively inaugurate the new HQ."

AVR family

Festive opening

The fully renovated and expanded head office will be officially inaugurated in three stages. On Friday, 22 November, ahead of the official opening, the staff are invited to a full day of team-building activities at the revamped site. On Saturday, 23 November, on the eve of the industry trade show Interpom at Kortrijk Xpo, AVR has invited its dealers from across the globe to a fantastic evening event. On that occasion, mayor Kris Declercq will officially inaugurate the building. 

On 21 December, AVR is looking forward to welcoming its customers and sector peers for a festive conclusion to the 175th anniversary year. Tours of the plant, exhibited machines, and catching up over refreshments around a winter fire are the warm recipe for AVR Winter Fest. Registering is required. Keep an eye on AVR social media for full details. 

Anniversary year

The story of AVR starts in 1849 when Pieter Vansteenkiste founds a modest forge in downtown Roeselare where he manufactures agriculture and horticulture tools. The business is later named after his son: Alfons Vansteenkiste Roeselare. AVR is born. 175 years later AVR is still a family-run business and has developed into a world leader in producing agricultural machines for the potato industry. A history of transformation and specialisation. 

Stefan Top:

"But our mission remains unchanged. We manufacture, sell and service machines for potato growers who wish to work more efficiently and more sustainably. We market innovative technologies and products that make it possible to store more saleable potatoes with less effort in less time, using less fuel and with less soil compaction. And that mission is more socially relevant than ever. We aim to be the partner par excellence for those farmers who are taking up the challenges of tomorrow."

As a result of that continuous growth, AVR is always on the lookout for new amazing colleagues in a variety of areas: from administrative roles in, for example, the purchase department, to very technical profiles such as design and software engineers, mechanics and testers. Go to jobs.avr.be for all vacancies.

AVR management team