Flanders Metals Valley: 2025 review
2025 was a fantastic year for Flanders Metals Valley (FMV). As a network dedicated to fostering a climate-neutral and circular metals industry in Flanders, we organized a series of events that brought together industry leaders, researchers, and emerging talent. Below is a chronological overview of our key activities and achievements.
April 23: Flanders Metals Day at OCAS & CRM Ghent FMV hosted a visit to the OCAS & CRM pilot plant in Ghent, where participants from the Flemish metals industry, universities, and research centers explored the cutting-edge innovations made in the facility. The event highlighted the plants’ unique capabilities in custom alloy design, advanced metal processing, and product simulation, reinforcing Flanders’ leadership in metallurgical R&D.
April 30: FMV Education – Industry Meets STEM At Technopolis in Mechelen, professionals from Aperam, Umicore, Aurubis, and Finocas shared insights on their collaborations with STEM schools. The event emphasized the importance of industry-education partnerships in nurturing future talent, followed by a lively debate and networking session.
May 14: FMV Seminar on Carbon Capture Hosted at PwC’s offices, this seminar explored carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). Speakers from PwC, Finocas, and VITO discussed regulatory challenges, ArcelorMittal’s decarbonization roadmap, and innovative products from mineral carbonation. The event underscored the urgency of industrial decarbonization and the role of collaboration in achieving climate goals.
June 2: FMV Panel Discussion – Industrial symbiosis on (by-)products and energy in Flanders’ decarbonisation context This organized discussion focused on circular material flows and energy efficiency in Flanders’ decarbonization context. Industry leaders from Aperam, Umicore, and Aurubis shared their experiences in turning waste streams into valuable resources, while panelists called for policy support, financial incentives, and cross-sector collaboration to accelerate the transition to a circular economy.
June 11: Flanders Metals Day at Aperam Genk FMV organized a visit to Aperam’s steel plant in Genk, where 60 attendees explored the company’s commitment to sustainability and circularity, particularly in recycling stainless steel scrap. The event highlighted Aperam’s role in shaping the future of the metals industry.
September 24: FMV Seminar – Industrial AI At PSI Process Industries & Metals in Anderlecht, experts from PSI, Primetals, and KU Leuven presented on AI-driven quality enhancement and process optimization. The seminar included live demonstrations and networking, showcasing how AI is transforming the metals sector.
October 8: FMV Seminar & Plant Visit – Electrification at JEMA Hosted by JEMA Power in Ottignies, this event focused on electrification and energy efficiency. Speakers from Elia and Ghent University discussed long-term energy planning and innovative heating technologies, followed by a tour of JEMA’s expanded production facilities.
October 19: FMV Industry Night at KU Leuven The 4th edition of our annual Industry Night brought together young graduates and leading companies in the metals sector. Representatives from InsPyro, Umicore, Aurubis, Nyrstar, Sweco, and Aluminium Duffel pitched their companies, highlighting career opportunities and innovative projects. The evening concluded with a networking reception, fostering connections between students and industry professionals.
November 20: FMV Members Day Limburg A small-scale networking event for members in the Limburg/Kempen region, held at the Jenevermuseum in Hasselt, included a tour, reception, and dinner, fostering local collaboration.
December 2: FMV Industry Night at VUB Our first Industry Night at VUB attracted master’s and PhD students from VUB and ULB. Companies like John Cockerill, Victor Buyck Steel Constructions, InsPyro, Aurubis, Aluminium Duffel, and CRM Group presented their work and career opportunities. With nearly 80 participants, the event strengthened the bridge between academia and industry.
2025 Impact Summary
- Expanded the network to 50 companies, active in the Flemish and Belgian metals Ecosystem.
- 10+ events organized, engaging 350+ participants from industry and academia.
- 57 jobs posted on the FMV Job Board, supporting talent attraction for our members.