Brussels — Belgian industrial giant John Cockerill is exploring the possibility of establishing a military vehicle production unit at the recently closed Audi Brussels plant in Vorst.
The move aligns with Defence Minister Theo Francken’s efforts to attract defence industry investments to the site, according to reports by L’Echo and De Tijd.
François Michel, CEO of John Cockerill, confirmed the company’s interest, stating, “Our teams began their research on Friday. The process is moving swiftly. We will visit the site next week with other partners and stakeholders.”
This swift action underscores the company’s eagerness to capitalize on the opportunity, particularly in light of the Belgian government’s explicit interest in enhancing domestic defence manufacturing capabilities.
John Cockerill’s plans come on the heels of its acquisition of the French light-armoured vehicle manufacturer Arquus in 2004. Since then, the Liège-based company has been seeking to establish a production line for military vehicles within Belgium.
The availability of the Audi Brussels site, which ceased operations earlier this year, presents a timely opportunity to advance these ambitions.
The interest from John Cockerill is part of a broader industry trend. The technology federation Agoria confirmed that nearly all significant players in the defence sector have expressed interest in the Vorst site.
The facility’s existing infrastructure and strategic location make it a viable option for a range of defence manufacturing projects.
However, not all potential investors share the same enthusiasm. Defence Minister Francken has also reached out to the German military vehicle manufacturer Rheinmetall.
While the company acknowledged the outreach, it clarified that it has no plans to set up production units in Belgium without substantial orders from the Belgian government.
This hesitation reflects the cautious approach of foreign defence manufacturers regarding large-scale investments in new markets.
For John Cockerill, securing the Audi Brussels site could significantly bolster its position in the European defence industry.
The company’s experience with armoured vehicles and its existing ties with the Belgian government might provide an edge in the bidding process.
Moreover, establishing a military production facility at the site could generate hundreds of jobs, offering a potential boost to the local economy.
The next few weeks are expected to be crucial as John Cockerill and other interested parties conduct site visits and feasibility studies. The outcome could shape the future of Belgium’s defence manufacturing landscape and the fate of the Audi Brussels facility.
As the discussions progress, local authorities and defence industry stakeholders will be closely monitoring the developments, weighing the potential economic benefits against the implications of establishing a military production hub in the capital region.
