History

OVI was born...

Jozef is a born entrepreneur. After years of working in his father’s business, he founded the Olense Vleeswaren Industrie with his brother Karel and his former wife Marie-Louise. At that time, the focus was on delicacies such as sandwich sausage, ham sausage and bacon. They start their business in Geel. Later, Karel & Marie-Louise will leave the company, although they continue to follow the ins and outs of OVI to this day.

Start at the Hoogbuul site

Production is running at full capacity… Jozef notices that the factory is bursting at the seams and decides to expand the halls. The big A site at the Hoogbuul in Olen is opened. In this hall, the focus is mainly on the preparation of sausages, cervelas and pâtés.

Expansion B-site

Jozef sees potential in a whole range of new products. More new products means more different machines and different lines. That’s why a B site was built. In this hall, the focus is on deep-fried snacks. But an in-house bakery is also being implemented, where hot dog rolls and fresh puff pastry, among other things, are made.

Philippe Vanreusel becomes managing director

Philippe Vanreusel, son of Jozef, will become co-director. Obviously having grown up on the OVI site, Philippe knows the entire factory inside and out.

Expansion C-site

The new C-site will open its doors in early 2023!

OVI’s constant growth means we are investing in a sustainable future. Since 2020, we have installed 744 solar panels on our 20-metre-high B-site. Our new C-site will also contain many technological highlights: rainwater collection for steam production, additional solar panels, lots of natural light, condensation water recovery…