According to data from Statbel, the construction production index grew by 0.3% year-on-year in the first five months of the year, supported by significant public and private investment.
In this context of expansion, Sarens contributes to the Herzele project by installing modular residences that provide an alternative housing solution in the region.
Sarens carried out the installation of 6.30 m modules weighing 20 tons using an LTM1110-5.1 crane in just one hour.
The construction sector in Belgium maintains positive prospects despite the moderation of growth in 2025, which is expected to decrease from 0.8% in 2024 to 0.5% in real terms. According to Statbel data, the construction production index grew 0.3% year-on-year in the first five months of the year, while building construction showed a slight decline of 1.2%. However, the market is supported by significant public and private investments in transportation, electrical infrastructure, renewable energy, and utility projects, as well as by the Recovery and Resilience Fund and other regional plans, projecting an average sustained growth of 3.2% per year between 2026 and 2029.
In this context of expansion and infrastructure modernization, Project Herzele represents an important step in the deployment of fast and efficient housing solutions in Herzele, Belgium. To carry out this operation, Skilpod relied on Sarens, world leader in heavy lifting, engineered transport, and crane rental services, due to the long-standing collaboration between both companies and Sarens’ ability to fully manage the installation process. The main objective was the installation of modular residences, a construction system that allows for delivering complete homes in approximately three months, including production, installation, and final finishing.
Thanks to Sarens’ speed in management, logistics, and module installation, the project is already helping create new housing opportunities in a very short timeframe, supporting housing demand and providing an immediate and positive social impact for the local community. However, this project presented notable challenges during the planning phase, such as the extremely narrow passage (6.50 m) for 6.30 m modules, their large size (6.3 m x 3.4 m x 15 m), 20 t weight, and a 14.5 m operating radius. For proper installation, an LTM1110-5.1 crane and approximately 20 road plates were used, achieving an efficient installation in just one hour.
Transportation was one of the most significant challenges, as the modules had to travel 135 kilometers along narrow roads, requiring the operation to be conducted over two nights using two flatbed trailers, an additional trailer, and a team composed of 2 drivers, 6 escort pilots, as well as crane teams and on-site support personnel. This was only the second transport of this type carried out in Belgium, highlighting the complexity of the project, whose logistics were also constrained by narrow streets, the need to close roads, prohibit parking, and maneuver around tree-lined areas. Sarens’ crane remained on site for two days for loading and unloading the modules, and despite the challenges, the operation was successfully completed, reinforcing Sarens’ position as a strategic partner in modular housing installation and marking a milestone in its ongoing collaboration with Skilpod, especially given the exceptional size of the modules in this project.
According to Jeffrey De Bruyne, Project Manager at Sarens, “We are very proud to have participated in Project Herzele. Thanks to our experience and close collaboration with Skilpod, we were able to fully manage the installation process of large residential modules, overcoming unusual transportation and maneuvering challenges in the country. This project not only allows for the rapid and efficient delivery of homes but also demonstrates how Sarens positions itself as a strategic partner to drive innovation and support the sustainable growth of civil construction in Belgium, generating an immediate social impact through new housing opportunities.”
Over the past few years, Sarens has established itself as a strategic player in the civil construction, installation, and renovation of bridges around the world. Recently, the company has completed several major projects, such as the Ringvaartbrug project, improving connectivity and traffic flow in Ghent through the construction of a new bridge over the “Ringvaart”, the installation of a new pedestrian and cycle bridge as part of the redesign of Place Sainctelette (Brussels), the century-old Colbert Bridge in Dieppe (France), and the 5,850-ton OA14 bridge in Bettembourg (Luxembourg). Sarens has also installed a new pedestrian bridge between the Hazebrouck (France) railway station and its parking lot, as well as an 8,400-ton railway bridge on the A1 freeway in Amsterdam (Netherlands).
About Sarens
Sarens is the global leader and reference in crane rental, heavy lift and engineered transportation services. With state-of-the-art equipment, value engineering, one of the world's largest inventories of cranes, transporters and special rigging equipment, Sarens offers creative and intelligent solutions to today's heavy lifting and engineering transport challenges.
With more than 100 entities in 65 countries operating without borders, Sarens is an ideal partner for small to large-scale projects. Sarens currently employs 5,000 highly qualified professionals who are ready to serve the needs of any client worldwide and in all market sectors. https://www.sarens.com/