The EMGO factory in Lommel, Belgium, has a significant industrial history. Established in the early 1960s, the factory was initially part of Philips’ extensive operations, focusing on the production of electronic components and glass products. Specifically, it manufactured glass for lighting purposes, capitalizing on the high-quality sand available in the region. The factory included notable installations such as large chimneys built in 1966 and 1971, indicative of its substantial industrial capacity.
Over time, the factory became known as EMGO, a joint venture between Philips and Osram, each holding a 50% stake. This partnership focused on producing components for the lighting industry, contributing significantly to both companies’ supply chains. However, due to declining demand for its products, the factory faced several rounds of downsizing. By 2004, the workforce had been reduced to 514 employees, and further layoffs followed in subsequent years.
In 2012, it was announced that EMGO would cease its operations in Lommel, resulting in the loss of 135 jobs. The closure was part of a broader restructuring effort driven by decreased product demand and a shift in market dynamics.
After closure, the production halls were demolished. Only a portion of the glass production hall, water treatment and the empty warehouses stand tall. Today, the remaining buildings are completely vandalized and only serve as a memory of what once was. The site is currently undergoing another transformation, as the Swiss company Glas Trösch Group plans to build a state-of-the-art float glass factory there.
