Establishment in 1968

oprichting
In 1968, the one-man business under the name of TORFS CYRIEL was founded by Cyriel Torfs and his wife Emma Van der Auwera.
At that time the work consisted primarily of the manufacturing of machines for the agriculture sector, such as: sorting-machine for tomatoes, vegetable washers for leeks, carrots, celeriac, pot-press invented to form cubes of humus, pulverizers, etc. During this period, there was also cooperation with the technical department of ‘Boerenbond Leuven’. Our company was contacted for the supply of aluminum cover strips and for creating and delivering multiple parts for specific greenhouses.

 

International cooperation

internationale samenwerking
International cooperation from the 70′s:
At the beginning of the 70′s, collaboration with a Dutch company was created, which would help launch our elongated cucumber sorting-machine, with 20 up to 28 mobile scales, on the Dutch market. Our two types:”Econoom” (See picture next chapter) and “Mammoet” – were a huge success. These machines were tested by the Institute of Horticulture Technology at Wageningen (NL), who delivered the certificate No. 7207 in August, 1972 with ‘global assessment’. Who could submit such a certificate, enjoyed the full confidence of the customers.
In addition to the design and construction of these machines, welding, turning and milling work were also a part of our activities. We were also involved in various repair and maintenance work.
At the end of the 70′s we did our entry in the automotive industry through an assignment of Renault Vilvoorde. In those years our activities in the Agricultural sector reduced, and our main focus was on the automotive sector without losing other bench markets out of sight. We constructed various manipulators (Batteries, safes, etc…) as well as a transport pallet of 2 tons for a particle accelerator in a reprocessing plant in the United States of America, and many other wonderful projects.

Incorporation

oprichting vennootschap
In 1984 the one-man business shifted towards a private limited liability company (BVBA) named TORFSCONSTRUCT.
In 1988, Cyriel Torfs and his wife went into retirement and the leadership of the company was passed on to Dirk Oeyen and his wife Gerda Torfs.

ACHIEVEMENTS:
It is almost unfeasible to provide an overview of activities of more than 45 years. We made a choice from our bulky photo album that can stand as an example of the opportunities.
An (incomplete) list gives you an impression of the large volume of projects…

  • 3D laser-assisted measuring device for measuring various tires
  • Liquid reservoirs + moulds for Rapid Prototyping
  • Different conveyor systems
  • Various monitoring and welding moulds
  • Pick and Place Systems
  • Different machinery for repairing carriages (TGV traction engine hub)
  • Different manipulation devices for wheel sets of trains
  • Fixtures for the alignment of cockpits
  • Multifunctional spot-welding installations
  • Calibers for painting car bumpers
  • Assembly fixtures for fuel tanks
  • Assembly fixtures for cockpits
  • Manipulators for various applications
  • Etc.