AFIX Group strengthens its European position with DIBt approval and new subsidiary

Press release - AFIX Group strengthens its European position with DIBt approval and new subsidiary

PRESS RELEASE – Belgian scaffolding manufacturer AFIX Group, with UK branch in Thornwood,  expands its Central European presence with the establishment of AFIX GmbH in Schweitenkirchen (near Munich) and the official DIBt approval for the AFIXFAST X52 system scaffold. This dual milestone marks a new phase in the group’s European growth strategy.

DIBT APPROVAL CONFIRMS QUALITY AND SAFETY

The Deutsches Institut für Bautechnik (DIBt) has granted the general building authority approval (abZ/aBG) for the AFIXFAST X52 scaffolding system. This means the system complies with the strictest German construction and safety standards. The approval provides clarity for designers, inspection authorities, and contractors, and simplifies the use of the system in complex construction, industrial, event, and infrastructure projects.

Stephan Hillaert, CEO of AFIX Group:

“Since the foundation of AFIX Group 20 years ago by Chris Fleurbaey and Jean-Pierre Debucke, the company has experienced strong growth. When private-equity partner Dovesco joined eight years ago, it provided additional financial capacity, allowing us to focus fully on the professionalisation of the organisation, customer proximity, and product safety without compromise.

The creation of a dedicated technical department at our headquarters in Aalter, the recruitment of experienced technical experts, and investments in our production facilities have all contributed to significant progress in our product range, manufacturing processes, quality, and safety.

That we have successfully completed this journey is now once again confirmed by the DIBt approval – the world’s most respected authority for scaffolding certification.”

Tom Van Herbruggen, CTO of AFIX Group:

“Our strategy led in 2021 to a complete redefinition of our system scaffolding portfolio, which we have since marketed under the names AFIXFAST X52 and AFIXFAST X37. With the AFIXFAST X52 range, we clearly position ourselves above the market average in terms of technical performance.

In 2022, we obtained the NF certification for AFIXFAST X37 from Afnor Certification in France.
More recently, the AFIXFAST X52 system also received official approval from the DIBt in Germany. These recognitions by two leading certification bodies confirm that the AFIXFAST systems and AFIX Group production facilities meet the highest European standards for safety and quality.

Another major advantage of the extensive testing programme and regular audits is that the technical data of AFIXFAST X52 have been validated by DIBt. These verified documents and data are made available to AFIX Group customers and engineering offices. Thanks to this validation, clients can be confident that every structural calculation is accurately substantiated – a fundamental prerequisite for the safety of temporary structures in the construction, industrial, infrastructure, and event sectors.”

The Deutsches Institut für Bautechnik (DIBt) has granted the general building approval (abZ/aBG) for the
AFIXFAST X52 system, confirming its compliance with Germany’s strictest construction and safety standards.

LOCAL PRESENCE IN GERMANY

In addition to its sites in Belgium, the Netherlands, France, the UK, Turkey, and Morocco, AFIX Group opens a new service and sales branch along the A9 near Munich.
From here, scaffolding contractors, construction companies, industrial clients, and event builders in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland will be directly supplied with AFIXFAST systems and compatible solutions for scaffolds, stages, and grandstands. German operations are led by Christian Spies, a seasoned scaffolding expert with extensive experience and a strong network in the industry.

Christian Spies, Managing Director of AFIX GmbH:
“The DIBt approval is our starting point to introduce the quality and versatility of the AFIXFAST system to a wider market. Thanks to our local presence, we can serve customers quickly and flexibly – whether for purchase, rental, or financing. Through our dedicated unit AFIX FINANCE, we offer tailor-made financial solutions to support our customers’ growth. With CREDENDO export financing, we also provide highly attractive funding options for clients across the DACH region.”

INNOVATION AND GROWTH IN EUROPE

With the establishment of AFIX GmbH, the group strengthens its position in the DACH region and uses Germany as a launchpad for further European expansion. AFIX Group combines over 20 years of production experience with a comprehensive service approach in sales, rental, financing, engineering, and logistics – with safety and quality as its core values.

Christian Spies concludes:
“Our goal is to build a strong network of service branches. This allows us to bring our proven international expertise closer to customers – with the speed and efficiency the market demands today.”