Bus builder Van Hool has been officially declared bankrupt

The company court in Mechelen has declared bus builder Van Hool from Koningshooikt (Lier) bankrupt and appointed a board of four curators to supervise the bankruptcy.

The trustees have received a binding offer from VDL Groep (coaches and buses) and GRW, a partner company of Schmitz-Cargobull (semi-trailers). VDL Groep would take over Van Hool’s bus and coach activities, while GRW would be responsible for the industrial vehicles.

The restart could create jobs for 650 to 950 employees. This means that 1,550 to 1,850 people will lose their jobs.

The bankruptcy of Van Hool puts an end to a leading company in the Flemish manufacturing industry. According to the bus manufacturer, external factors such as the impact of the coronavirus, global supply problems, strong inflation and high energy costs are the main factors for the demise.