Tens of thousands of visitors turned out across Flanders on the first Sunday of October for the 36th annual Voka Open Bedrijvendag, exploring participating companies, local sites, and security services. Regional participation highlights included locations in Kortrijk and Genk, where public figures and corporate leaders officially launched the event.
Barco Opens Kortrijk Headquarters to 130,000 Visitors
Barco welcomed visitors to its Kortrijk campus as part of a turnout that drew an estimated 130,000 people to participating locations, focus-wtv.be reported. Minister-president Diependaele officially opened the event at the Barco site. During his opening remarks, Diependaele emphasized a pragmatic approach to regional challenges, stating that officials are seeking solutions rather than complaining.
The annual event provides families, job seekers, and local residents with behind-the-scenes access to businesses. Participating sites ranged from high-tech manufacturing floors to spaces integrating industrial innovation with art exhibitions.
Bioterra in Genk Launches Limburg Recyclage Focus
In Genk, the official opening took place at recycling firm Bioterra. Governor Jos Lantmeeters attended the launch alongside local families and prospective workers to observe operations at the facility. Bioterra recently inaugurated a specialized processing plant designed to handle construction waste materials.
Visitors to the Genk site observed how heavy materials like concrete debris and railway ballast are crushed and processed into secondary raw materials for the construction industry. Bioterra Director Wouter Vermin said that the demonstrations aim to prove that recycled components can serve as fully functional building supplies. “We want to show that recycled raw materials can once again take their rightful place in the construction sector,” Vermin said.
Connecting Citizens with STEM Careers
Beyond public curiosity, organizers positioned the 2026 Open Bedrijvendag around workforce development and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. Regional officials noted that opening factory floors and technical facilities helps introduce younger demographics to industrial careers and regional expertise available across Limburg and wider Flanders.
Nearly 200 businesses and security services opened their gates simultaneously. The roster of participants allowed visitors to examine everything from heavy logistics equipment to specialized manufacturing processes.
Voka Open Bedrijvendag attracts 130,000 visitors
When does Voka Open Bedrijvendag take place?
The event is held annually on the first Sunday of October across the Flanders region of Belgium.
Who inaugurated the 2026 event?
Minister-president Diependaele officially opened the edition at Barco in Kortrijk, while Governor Jos Lantmeeters attended the launch at Bioterra in Genk.
What was the total visitor turnout recorded?
Regional organizers reported an estimated total turnout of 130,000 visitors across participating locations.
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