Innovative players in mechatronics
The industrial sector in West Flanders is growing and thriving. Almost a quarter (22.9%) of Flemish industrial employment comes from West Flemish companies. Specifically, this concerns 12,088 people within West Flanders (as of 31/12/2020).
Mechatronics in Bruges
Over 1 in 3 (35.3%) of industrial wage-earners in Bruges work in the metal sector. Within mechanical engineering and mechatronics, 17.4% of wage-earners (1,015 people) are employed in the industry. The district of Bruges has the largest number of employees within mechanical engineering and mechatronics: some 4,657 people as of 31/12/2020 (*).
Building the machines of the future
Educational institutions in the region have a special focus on mechatronics. The Centre of Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics is the best proof of this. It is a collaboration between KU Leuven, the University of Ghent, Howest and Sirris. Together, they are researching the machines of the future. They share their valuable findings with companies.
Hub for mechatronics conferences
That things are moving forward is proven by KU Leuven campus Bruges with the concept factory they opened in May 2019. This brand-new mechanical engineering and mechatronics lab underscores the ambition to remain a leader in this field. Since March 2022, the city of Bruges, with the Visit Bruges Convention Bureau, has joined forces with KUL and BMCC to attract meetings and conventions to Bruges.
Among other things, the City of Bruges was privileged to host the 2nd edition of the International Conference on High-Speed Vehicle Science & Technology.
(*) Source: POM West Flanders
Further information
Delineation of metal sector: nace 24-30
Delineation of mechanical engineering & mechatronics: nace 26.1, 26.5, 26.6, 27.9, 28.1, 28.2, 28.3, 28.4, 28.9