Tradyglass: Expertise from Wallonia exported to every continent
In 2002, Frédéric Willems left Durobor, which was experiencing serious difficulties at the time. At a pivotal moment in his career, the Orval brewery provided him with invaluable support. Impressed by his expertise, the brewery gave him the opportunity to relaunch his career in the glass industry. This opportunity paved the way for a series of endeavors. He first acquired a stake in a company in the north of the country, then bought out a decorative glass company in Soignies. Finally, he founded his own company, Tradyglass, in 2009.
“Our success is based on our passion for our craft, but above all on our creativity. We have developed a large number of glass models, and we continue to innovate every day,” explains Frédéric Willems, CEO of Tradyglass. “I would also say that our flexibility is a major asset in our development. Today, we can meet the needs of every beverage producer, from the smallest to the largest.”
The company designs and decorates glasses and bottles, primarily for Belgian craft breweries, including Chimay, Orval, Brasserie Saint-Feuillien, and Duvel-Moortgat. Thanks to Tradyglass’s expertise in screen printing, engraving, laser techniques, flocked finishes, and other innovative techniques, each beer has its own unique glass. Its 40 employees add a unique touch to every creation.
The Largest Glass Decoration Workshop in Europe
IMBC has been supporting Tradyglass in its industrial projects for over 10 years. In 2024, this partnership led to an investment of over €12 million for a new operating site in Soignies, with IMBC contributing €6 million. To mark its 15th anniversary, Tradyglass opened Europe’s most modern glass decoration workshop. The 10,000-square-meter facility is 2.5 times larger than its previous site. This expansion is in response to growing demand from Belgian and international customers.
“IMBC is a trustworthy, reliable, and professional partner. Having them by your side is a real driving force for progress, and their presence is deeply reassuring,” Frédéric Willems continues. “It’s like walking out onto a soccer pitch knowing that a highly competent team, like IMBC, is behind you, ready to support you.”
But this family business is not limited to the beer sector. Today, it also decorates glasses for wine, champagne, water, and spirits, exporting its expertise across Europe and to North America. Tradyglass has also diversified its activities by creating ALTERGLASS, a line of high-quality, affordable, reusable plastic glasses that outperform those of its Asian counterparts.
In a context where reindustrialization is a top priority, Tradyglass’s ambition demonstrates Wallonia’s global competitiveness. The company is now a leading player in the glass sector and a model of excellence and international influence. It is a Walloon business success story that inspires and deserves respect.
