Testimonial - Mathias de Cock
Manager and Valve Specialist, BelgiumFrom chemical plants to nuclear sites, Mathias leads a 100-strong team with passion, precision, and a deep commitment to his clients and colleagues.
Mathias, how did you become a valve specialist?
Before joining the Group, I worked with modular belts—which is a completely different field. I came into the Group through Fabricom, now part of Equans, and quickly caught the “valve bug”. They’re everywhere—and come in all shapes and sizes!
We work with a wide range of clients: the Port of Antwerp (in sectors like chemicals and petrochemicals), the nuclear industry, and agri-food companies.
Valves are extremely technical. Even though I don’t do the hands-on work myself, I need to fully understand the systems. Today, I manage a team of about 100 technicians, and I try to stay as close as possible to both my team and my clients.
I’d say I manage like a family man—my job is to support people first and foremost.
You're clearly passionate. What does your day-to-day look like?
No two days are the same—and that’s what keeps it exciting! Over the last five years, the company has grown significantly. Our revenue went from €15 million to €20 million, and with that growth comes a faster pace.
To unwind, I cycle and run a lot. I’m also involved—with my family and some colleagues—in a cancer support charity, which is very meaningful to me.
What makes Equans stand out in the valve industry?
Our clients tell us we’re the best in the business—because we’ve got all the expertise in-house. We can handle valves exposed to extreme temperatures, and manage everything from painting and welding to emission control.
We’ve also built long-standing relationships—some that go back to the Fabricom days. That closeness and trust make a big difference.
What are the key challenges you see ahead for your industry?
Digitalisation is a big one. Clients don’t always manage valve data themselves anymore—it’s digitised and often hosted in the cloud or outsourced. It’s up to us to master the tech and ensure we have the right data to install and maintain valves properly.
Emissions are also a major concern. Regulations are becoming more stringent, so we need to adapt our materials to guarantee valve tightness and compliance.
And finally, I think it’s important to mention how our profession is becoming more inclusive. One of the technicians on my team—a woman—works with one of our biggest energy clients and is highly appreciated. Equans is a company where everyone has the opportunity to grow—both technically and personally.
