The company Mondiale has existed for almost 100 years. But did you know that our origins go back a lot further? To 1860 to be precise. That’s when the Fondu family business in Vilvoorde put the metal industry on our map. Since 1921 this company has been known as Mondiale.
For decades Vilvoorde was the beating heart of the Mondialists. This is the remarkable and wonderful story of Mondiale, recorded for you in a 6-part mini-series.
PART 6: 1989 until now
After the bankruptcy in December 1989, the Mondialists did not simply give up on their beloved company. The inventory was taken over by the Dutch company Harry Vraets Machinery (HVM). After careful market research it was decided to keep the spare parts and to start up small-scale production of the CELTIC and the GALLIC series.
Across the world, there were still several owners of Mondiale machines. They could make good use of a specialised maintenance and repair service. Mondiale NV was founded in 1990 on the original site in Vilvoorde. Shortly afterwards, the company moved to Peutie.
Specialist in second hand machines
Not long after that, Mondiale NV started to focus on the purchase, overhaul and sale of second hand machines. And not only Mondiale machines. The company now also traded in Eastern European and Asian models.
Mondiale had been brought back to life. At the beginning of the 90s, the company had about 20 workers and technicians, mostly fully fledged Mondialists. The General Manager was Guido Dierick, who remained in charge for many years, until his son Karel finally took over the torch.
The gap in the second-hand market
Between 1990 and 2001 Guido and Karel led Mondiale together. They found the gap in the second-hand market by setting themselves up as expert traders. They offered an excellent customer and after-sales service for second hand machines. With a warranty, which was unique in the industry.
At Mondiale, the second-hand machines received a total overhaul and were carefully delivered and installed at the customer’s premises. If desired, the buyer was even given professional training. Mondiale specialised in adapting old installations to current safety standards and in accordance with the new EC legislation. In the meantime, the company was able to advertise itself as the regular maintenance and repair service provider of many customers.
Mondiale also met the growing demand for CNC machines at that time. To this end, the company invested so as to remain up to date with its technical know-how. Father and son managed to keep sales at the new Mondiale at a healthy level.
Mondiale now: 100 years of expertise
Due to the expansion of demand for second-hand equipment and a new Mondiale-line, in 2007 the company moved to East-Flemisch Zele, into spacious premises alongside the Gentsesteenweg. This is where Mondiale is currently located and it remains under the leadership of the experienced CEO Karel Dierick.
In 2019, Mondiale looked back proudly on 100 years of knowledge and expertise. The company still specialises in Mondiale lathes, milling machines and boring machines. It maintains, repairs and overhauls used machines and is the market leader in second-hand lathes.
Furthermore, it distributes new precision machines on behalf of foreign partners, such as the Swiss quality brand Schaublin. In addition, it continues to innovate and successfully respond to the latest changes in the market.
Curious?
Curious about what we have to offer?
Have you been looking for a machine tool or certain parts for a quite a while?
At Mondiale, you’ll find a very large selection of machines and parts.
Feel free to visit our showroom and warehouse, every working day between 8.00 to 17.00.
The history of Mondiale (part 1/6)
COBBAUT, J. (1997, April 8). The second-hand market. Everyone buys used machines. Supply & Demand, p. 1, 3-5.