KDS, Kempische depannage service, based in Turnhout, is an integral part of the mobility landscape. For many years, KDS has been active both nationally and internationally in roadside assistance, breakdown service, special transport, towing, and vehicle repatriation. Regardless of the type of vehicle or service required, KDS offers a comprehensive solution.
CEO Marc Lauwers and his team have spent over 25 years building this strong presence. They aim to sustain this into the future, including by entering into a new partnership.
Marc Lauwers: “As a company, KDS is running at full speed. That’s great, but our approach is to always look a few steps ahead. Not just look, but also make it happen. We continuously invest in new materials and vehicles. Sustainability receives the attention it deserves within our company. We utilize the latest materials, vehicles, and technologies. When necessary, we actively contribute to the design of specialized vehicles. For example, we had special trailers custom-built for carrying out exceptional transport.
We don’t skimp on our staff either. We expect them to be on the same page as us. They are given opportunities and receive training. This approach works for us and offers prospects for the future. As for myself, my family and I have already decided where we want to go. Our two children are each pursuing their own successful paths. That path does not lie with KDS. That is why we have chosen to bring an external partner into the company.
Over a relatively short period, that partner must earn and be granted full control of KDS. And we found that partner fairly quickly. The couple, Glenn De Belder and Sophie Peeters, work for KDS. They know the ropes. They know how we work because they’re involved in it every day. Moreover, they complement each other perfectly.”
This brings us to the people who will shape KDS for the coming years. Glenn and Sophie are moving from employees to managers. In this way, KDS draws on its own human capital and existing values within the company to offer opportunities to those who will help chart the future.
Glenn De Belder: “I’ve been working for KDS as a towmaster for quite some time now. Plus, keeping the equipment up to date is a fun challenge for me. I know exactly how things work at KDS. At one point, Marc and I were on a job abroad that lasted several days… A casual chat about work suddenly took a completely different turn. Marc mentioned that he was thinking about gradually stepping down. He didn’t expect their sons, Wout and Tuur, to join the business. You should know that my partner Sophie also works in administration at KDS. To make a long story short: we were asked if we’d like to join KDS… And now the time has come.
Of course, Sophie still needed to be convinced. Sophie Peeters is an administrative jack-of-all-trades. She’s also at the heart of the company, so she knows its potential better than anyone.
Sophie Peeters: “Glenn was very motivated when he returned from Italy with Marc’s proposal in hand. I also saw the potential in this opportunity. I know the company inside and out, because I’m deeply involved in it. Glenn has a strong technical understanding. We’re not taking over a ramshackle operation, but a streamlined, modern company with a rock-solid reputation. Of course, the partnership wasn’t a given. We had to agree—both among ourselves and with Marc—on the structure, the timeline, and the financing. We really had to weigh everything carefully. But the challenge was unique. Thanks to a constructive and positive attitude from everyone involved, we were able to get a number of things sorted out fairly quickly. And we know what we’re getting into. We’re going to help shape the future of KDS. No longer as employees, but as co-managers.
“This partnership is ideal. Since we are now managing the business together with Marc, we can ensure a smooth transition over the necessary period of time. This way, Marc’s knowledge and experience remain on board, alongside Glenn’s and my own enthusiasm and eagerness to learn.”
Marc Lauwers: “I’m not at all burned out as CEO. I will certainly continue to pour my heart and soul into KDS for a few more years, though I’ll be giving Glenn and Sophie the space they need. I believe in these young people. When I eventually say goodbye to KDS, I know the company will be in good hands.”
