New telecom facility in Fleurus: APK Group expands in Wallonia
“When we renewed the five-year contract with Orange and VOO was taken over by Orange, we knew that expansion towards Charleroi to Chimay was necessary,” says Steve Claes. “During a conversation with Maarten Broens, we found the building in Fleurus online. Within a month, everything was sorted, and thanks to the efforts of my team and our SU's, the branch was operational within two weeks. It's something to be proud of!”
The new branch plays a key role in the Orange/VOO contract, in which APK Group is responsible for installations, repairs, B2B assignments, and standby services. “We want to double our activities in Wallonia,” according to Claes. “Additionally, we are developing our own dispatch and logistics department in Fleurus, which will support multiple contracts. The new Smart Meters contract with Ores/Resa (ENZO) will also be incorporated here. On top of this, the contract for HFC Network Interventions will be signed shortly, also for VOO/Orange. This is thanks to the knowledge and expertise of Mario Bamps” team.” The objectives are ambitious, as the Orange/VOO installation contract represents a turnover of 70 million euros. “We still hope to secure additional contracts in the region this year,” says Steve. “In Wallonia, we are not yet well-known enough, but with our branches in Villers-le-Bouillet and now also Fleurus, they will APK Group soon get to know us in the south of the country too.”
The branch in Fleurus officially opened on 17 March. “We started from scratch and hired customer managers, planners/dispatchers and certified technicians.”, Steve continues. “There are currently around twenty VOO-certified technicians already active, carrying out an average of seven installations per day. And we continue to grow: technically skilled people are always welcome. Q Jobs has also established itself in this office to fill our vacancies as quickly as possible.” As a starter in Fleurus, they can rely on good support from the outset. “Our coaches, Nunzio DiBari, Pelegrino Spagnuolo and Roland Vandy, guide our technicians on site and ensure continuous quality monitoring. This is also necessary, as the KPIs and SLAs in the contract are strict. Nevertheless, in the first month we have already achieved the highest score in the VOO area, so that means we are on the right track.”
The long-term vision is clear: “I hope the building quickly becomes too small – that would mean we continue to grow and attract new customers.” Steve therefore has a rosy view of the future for the department. “Our telecom CPE departments have always started small, but we have nevertheless grown to become the largest player with all Belgian providers. That proves we have a strong team with a lot of knowledge. Delivering quality and customer-centricity remains our priority, always with a smile. I am incredibly proud of my team.”
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