Page 25 - AGC_EN_iBook

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aGC GLaSS EUROPE aND LOUVaIN-La-NEUVE
On the basis of these conclusions, the European and global man- agement of the AGC Group decided to leave the existing headquar- ters on the Chaussée de La hulpe/Terhulpsesteenweg in Brussels and search for new premises elsewhere. It was further decided
to make use of this opportunity to centralize in a single building the various departments of the headquarters that were currently spread over several locations (Fleurus, Mechelen, Mont-Saint- Guibert, Lodelinsart, hoeilaart, Brussels). The prime condition was that the new building must make possible the implementation of the audit’s conclusions.This meant that the working areas had to enable ef cient and compact organization (in part, by limiting the number of individual workstations); that the annual cost of energy consumption must be signi cantly reduced; and that an improve- ment in internal communication between the different depart- ments must be facilitated.
The search for a suitable existing building proved fruitless. No building could be found that complied with the requirements of the audit report. It was consequently decided to search instead for an appropriate piece of land and construct a new purpose-built headquarters.The choice fell on a parcel of waste ground near
the site of the Université catholique de Louvain.
Both highly visible and accessible, this land was on one of the main roads into Louvain-la-Neuve, adjacent to the university campus. From a strategic perspective, the site had several major advantages for AGC.
Louvain-la-Neuve occupies a central location in relation to AGC’s production centres in Belgium and is also the gateway to the Brussels Metropolitan Region.To facilitate regular contact between staff in the headquarters and staff in other operational units throughout Europe, it was necessary for the new building to be close to one or more air elds.The chosen site is within easy reach of Belgium’s two most important international airports: Brussels Airport (Zaventem) and Brussels South Charleroi Airport.
The distance to either airport is just 45 km.
Moreover, the general accessibility of the site is also good.
It is just 800 m from the E411 motorway between Brussels and Luxembourg (exit 8a), at the junction with two other important regional roads: the N4 and the N25. Connections with the public transport network (bus, train and the Brussels Regional Express Network) are just a stone’s throw away (300 m), and the centre of Louvain-la-Neuve is within easy walking distance (10 min.). Facilities for cyclists are also good.
Last but not least, the culture of the general surroundings was another major asset.The site is located in the Louvain-la-Neuve Science Park, which seeks to bring together companies that are actively engaged in research and the pursuit of excellence.The adjacent sites are currently occupied by the Monnet Centre (the former Shell research centre, which is now subdivided into distinct private laboratories) and Sedilec (an interregional authority for the supply of gas and electricity).The proximity of the university also stimulates the exchange of knowledge and makes it possible to attract young, dynamic and highly-quali ed new recruits.
aGC GLASS euROPe LOUVAIN-LA-NEUVE, BELGIUM (2013)
WEST-VLAANDEREN
OOST-VLAANDEREN
HAINAUT
ANTWERPEN
Brussels International Airport (Zaventem)
VLAAMS-BRABANT BRUXELLES
BRABANT WALLON
Brussels South (Chaleroi)
NAMUR
Region
LIMBURG
LUXEMBOURG
LIÈGE
Région
Métropolitaine Brusxseellosimseetropolitain