Vandersanden's Milestones

In 1925, Jaak Vandersanden laid the first brick of what would become one of Europe’s most forward-thinking and sustainable brick manufacturers. With a relentless passion for craftsmanship, Jaak founded Vandersanden in Spouwen, Belgium, where he began with a modest field kiln. Just three years later, this was replaced by a small coal-fired ring kiln. From these humble beginnings as a family-run brickyard, Vandersanden grew into a company that would shape the architectural identity of countless homes, cities and public spaces across Europe.

From those early days, Jaak built a foundation for generations. Jaak’s fire sparked a movement that continues to grow, evolve, and inspire. Today, 100 years later, this passion lives on in every brick and paver we produce, in every innovation we embrace, and in every vision we dare to chase.

We are profoundly grateful for the spark he gave us. Because from fire… came vision.

He honoured the company’s roots while boldly steering it toward new horizons. Under Constant’s leadership and with the help of his brothers, Vandersanden moved from a respected small family business into one of the largest and most successful brick manufacturers in Belgium.

His values still resonate deeply in everything we do, from our commitment to sustainability to the way we build long-term partnerships with customers, architects, and communities.

If Jaak lit the fire, and Constant structured the path, then Jean-Pierre Wuytack — known to all as Pirre — carried that flame beyond borders. Pirre was – together with help of Financial Director Guy Wauters - the driving force behind the modern Vandersanden: an ambitious, forward-thinking company with deep roots and a truly European presence.

Taking over the reins in the 1990s, Pirre brought a new kind of leadership that combined respect for tradition with the courage to evolve. With a deep understanding of the market, a sharp strategic vision, and an entrepreneurial mindset, Pirre transformed Vandersanden from a national success story into one of Europe’s largest and most respected brick manufacturers.

Under his leadership, the company entered a phase of unprecedented growth. Through key acquisitions and strategic expansions, Vandersanden extended its presence to France, the Netherlands, Germany, the United Kingdom and numerous other export countries, while strengthening its foundations in Belgium. Pirre led with a strong belief in innovation, sustainability, and craftsmanship, ensuring that Vandersanden remained true to its values, even as it expanded its reach.

For Vandersanden, success isn’t measured by profit, but by impact: on people, communities, and the planet. That belief is what led to collective well-being, a long-term commitment to contributing to the happiness and well-being of everyone the company touches.

Collective well-being reflects Vandersanden’s ambition to be a leading force in social and environmental responsibility. It’s embedded in the heart of the company’s mission. Economic growth is no longer the end goal; it’s the means to support a deeper purpose: creating meaningful value for employees, customers, society, and the environment.