FRATEUR-DE POURCQ
1887
1887
1st generation: Mr Frateur started a company, as a blacksmith, in Terhagen. He made shoes for horses, who were the most important workers in the brickworks.
1895
Between 1887 and 1907
Mr Frateur comes up with an idea to demolish and sell the small tracks in the brickworks. Horses begin to take a back-seat to small Moës locomotives. In so doing, the blacksmith exchanges his craft for a career as a track merchant.
1907
+/- 1907
2nd generation: Frans Frateur expands these activities and relocates to Plantsoenstraat 5 in Boom. The company develops further and starts to sell a range of railway equipment.
1919
Between 1907 and 1930
The company starts installing rails in the nearby brickworks. 1930: 2nd generation: Karel Jules (‘Charles’) Frateur.
1951
1951
Under the leadership of Charles Frateur, married to Helena De Pourcq, the first activities are started for NMBS (SNCB). The Belgian rail network is under construction.
1953
1953
The 4th generation makes an appearance. Charles Frateur and Helena De Pourcq do not have children. Marie De Pourcq, Helena’s sister and also owner of the company, marries Charles Rotthier, whose son Raoul Rotthier takes the helm.
1957
1957
The company changes its name and continues its activities under the name NV Frateur – De Pourcq.
1965
1965
The breakthrough of heavy industry. NV Frateur – De Pourcq builds the railway for plant 2 of General Motors in Antwerp.
1967
1967
The family business from Boom starts installing crane tracks for container processing. It plays a key role in the expansion of the ports at Antwerp, Ghent and Zeebrugge.
1978
1978
The 5th generation takes its place: Dirk Rotthier, one of the five children of Raoul Rotthier, follows in his father’s footsteps within the business.
1981
1981
Peter Rotthier, the youngest of four sons, strengthens the family business. In the 1980s and 90s the activities shift towards pure contracting work for NMBS (SNCB) railway, tram, metro and crane tracks.
1989
1989
Participation in European research projects begins. Development of innovative products and systems. The company continues to grow in both size and turnover.
2007
2007
When Stefaan, son of Dirk Rotthier, starts at Frateur – De Pourcq, the company welcomes its sixth generation.
2008
2008
FDP goes international: installation of Line 1 North Extension Project in Manilla.
2009
2009
With the THV Silvius, FDP is awarded the 1st PPP project Mobility in Flanders: Brabo 1
2012
2012
Dirk Rotthier’s daughter, Nathalie, joins the team and thus ensures the continuity of the family business. In the same period, we find ourselves in completely updated buildings.