OUR ROOTS: 
WORKING WITH WOOD BEFORE TRADING IT

The origins of the Holvoet group lie in making, not trading. After the Second World War, Robert Holvoet, the son of a carpenter, opened a small woodworking shop in West Flanders. The business focused on craftsmanship, precision, and practical knowledge of wood. As his sons — Dirk, Jo, Bart, and Marnix joined, the workshop grew into Holvoet Gebroeders (“Holvoet Brothers”), remaining a family-run operation with hands-on work at its core.

In 1997, Robert’s grandson David Holvoet entered the company. Under his leadership, the business expanded beyond carpentry into multiple segments of the wood industry, extending from local production to international activities while maintaining technical expertise in wood.

Forest exploitation is managed through Valbofor. Originally operating as Prime Forests, it was restructured and renamed to emphasize long-term management of high-quality hardwood forests in France.

Valbofor focuses on selective harvesting, responsible forest management, and careful handling of wood throughout the process.

Robert Holvoet is born and his dad teaches him the craft of being a carpenter as did his father’s, father before him.

Pre‑1945

Robert’s sons join the business, which becomes Holvoet Gebroeders.

Following decades

First forest‑related activities launched under Solid International, initially focused on trading.

2001

Strategic anchoring in French hardwood forests leads to the creation of Valbofor.

2022 – present