Entrepreneurship since 1834

Every Entrepreneur of the Year starts somewhere. Our story began in Turnhout, 1834.

In December 2025, Van Genechten Packaging was named EY Entrepreneur of the Year. This recognition marks a new chapter, and a moment to reflect on both our origins and what lies ahead. Over the coming months, we’ll share the story behind the company.

The year is 1834. Belgium has only recently become an independent nation. In the north, the town of Turnhout is emerging as a center of paper and printing. It is there that a talented printer makes a small, but decisive move. One that would lay the foundation for a company built on entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation.

Jacques-Edouard Glénisson had joined the printing business of his uncle Brepols. But at 25, he chose to start a printing house under his own name. On 1 January 1834, he formed a partnership with Antoine Joannes Van Genechten. The two were complementary: Glénisson brought technical mastery, while Van Genechten contributed commercial experience.
 

The company’s creative and technical strength was quickly recognized.
In 1835, it received a medal at the Industry Exhibition in Brussels.

Each invested 7,000 Belgian francs, at a time when a paper worker earned around 1 franc per day, and a bookbinder even less. 

It was a significant commitment from the outset. 
 

Building the business with imagination

From day one, the company stood out through the breadth of what it made: colored paper, playing cards, schoolbooks, devotional literature, prints and office materials. Its creative and technical strength was quickly recognized. In 1835, it received a medal at the Industry Exhibition in Brussels. 

In 1841, during the same exhibition, the company was awarded a silver medal for fantasy paper and given an honorary mention for typography and playing cards. Already in the mid-19th century, Van Genechten was setting high standards in its field.

The Glénisson-Van Genechten partnership was also focused on innovation. In 1852, the company invested in a steam engine to power its presses – a decisive step into industrial production, marking a milestone for Turnhout’s printing industry.
 

Jean de Somer would guide the company to new levels of growth
and establish the foundation for long-term continuity

This forward-looking mindset extended beyond technology. Working conditions in the 19th century were demanding, with limited protection for workers. In this context, the company introduced a mutual support fund for workers early on. 

From left to right: Jacques-Edouard Glénisson, Antoine Joannes Van Genechten and Philippe de Somer
 

A new family takes the lead

In 1856, Antoine Van Genechten continued independently. He established a new factory in Turnhout, and further developed the business, maintaining the product range while steadily improving quality and expanding market share.

When Antoine passed away in 1874, his son-in-law Jean de Somer, then 46 years old, took over the business. He was the first generation of a family that remains closely connected to the company to this day. Jean would guide the company to new levels of growth and establish the foundation for long-term continuity.

The company had already established a strong commercial foundation. Order books show that playing cards were shipped across Europe – to cities in the Netherlands, as well as Paris, London, Barcelona and Smyrna. Shortly afterwards, Southeast Asia emerged as an important and profitable market. 

What started as a local success story had become a renowned enterprise, with international reach and a strong reputation for quality.

From foundation to future

By the end of the 19th century, Van Genechten was one of the leading players in its industry.

Pivoting from paper to packaging in the 1940s, investment in technology and innovation ensured growth continued through the 20th century. 

The 1970s to 1990s were a period of expansion, acquisition and technological advancement under the stewardship of former Chairman Chevalier Philippe de Somer. His conviction? A company builds its legacy by setting a clear standard – and staying true to it over time.”

Today, VGP continues to build on this foundation, with the clear
ambition to lead the way in creativity and innovation across the European packaging market and beyond.
 

By 1999, Van Genechten Packaging had expanded into the Netherlands, Germany, France and Poland, marking its evolution from a small paper printing site in Belgium to Europe’s largest independent folding carton converting company.

Today, under the leadership of Chairman Frederic de Somer and CEO Frank Ohle, the company continues to build on this foundation, with the clear ambition to lead the way in creativity and innovation across the European packaging market and beyond.

And that story is still being written.
 

Throughout the year, we’ll highlight key moments in our story. Stay tuned.