Our CEO, Derek Vandevoorde’s parents founded PDC Europe in 1984. A lot has changed since then, but a lot has also stayed the same! For instance, we still call Northern France home – though we have moved to a bigger factory, and we’re still a family business.
We recently found a press article from 1984 about PDC Europe exhibiting at that year’s edition of Interpack, so we thought we’d take a look at what other changes we’ve seen in the past 38!
“PDC France is above all a young & dynamic team specialized in manufacturing sleeve applicator machinery,” the article begins. So far, still true – although we’re now PDC Europe, not just France! Our team is our greatest asset, and we’re proud to have so much young talent as part of our company. Their enthusiasm and energy inspire innovation every day.
The article goes on to list the machines & their advantages. Impressive technology, introducing Europe’s 1st stretch sleeve applicator & 1st labeling shrink sleeve applicator, and machines that even then were adjustable, flexible easy to operate, and robust. Today, the taste for innovation continues, and whilst many of the machines we read about in the article inspire those that we ship around the world today, the range has expanded, the machines are faster, and we cater to more needs and sectors than ever before. In the past 10 years alone, we’ve brought out our Ultimate range, Horizon, PDC Robotics & SURE, as our R&D department continues to excel, and we continually respond to our customers’ & partners’ needs.
The article ends “To conclude, PDC completely masters sleeving problems thanks to their close work with sleeve manufacturers. Whatever the problem – be it with a machine or a sleeve – PDC is a responsible & competent contact.”
Turns out, not all that much has changed in 38 years – our values, our ethos, and our work ethic has gone from strength to strength, as has our high standards of customer service and our drive for innovation. The only real change is the technology, our growing range, and that now PDC Europe’s machines are used worldwide!
