The history of Marchandise
Over 65 years of an extraordinary family adventure
The history of Marchandise
Over 65 years of an extraordinary family adventure
Our heritage
📌 1958-1980: The beginning of a promising future
The story began in 1958 with the creation of Ets. DEVILLE by Emile & Mrs. Deville, pioneers in the distribution of International Harvester agricultural tractors—now known as Case IH. The company quickly established itself as a key player in the Hesbaye-Condroz region.
In 1968, the company expanded its offering by becoming a Manitou dealer, a specialist and global leader in all-terrain material handling equipment. This milestone made Marchandise the oldest MANITOU distributor in Belgium.
📌 1980-1998: An ambitious second generation
In the 1980s, Michel & Philippe Deville, sons of the founder, took over the company and gave it new momentum.
By expanding the range of earthmoving and material handling equipment with brands such as CASE, THOMAS, and TOYOTA, theysuccessfully broadened the company’s activities into new sectors, including construction, industry, and public services.
📌 1998-2007: Transition, diversification, and growth
The year 1998 marked a a new chapter in the company's history with the arrival of Ivan Marchandise and the creation of S.P.R.L. Deville Marchandise. This development coincided with the launch of a new business activity dedicated to the rental of construction, material handling, and access equipment.
Since 2002, Ivan Marchandise has served as the company's Managing Director. Over the following years, the business experienced strong growth, with turnover tripling in less than five years.
📌 2007-2015:Investment, modernization, and new horizons
In 2007 and 2008, significant investments were made to modernize the company's historic facilities in Ombret, near Engis. The company also strengthened its structure through a capital increase and the arrival of new partners, leading to the creation of Marchandise S.A.
As its activities continued to expand, Marchandise subsequently relocated its headquarters to the Hermalle-sous-Huy Industrial Park. New larger, and more modern facilities were inaugurated there in 2015, providing the company with the infrastructure needed to support its ongoing growth.
📌 2015-2022: Acceleration and diversification
Between 2015 and 2018, the company consolidated its services and further expanded its areas of activity. In 2019, Marchandise opened its training centre for operators of handling and lifting equipment, with the aim of improving safety and efficiency on site. In 2022, the centre obtained IPAF certification, internationally recognised in the field of powered access equipment.
📌 2023-2026: Strategic expansion and acquisitions
From 2023 onwards, Marchandise S.A. entered a new phase of territorial expansion:
- December 2023: Acquisition of KEYMACO N.V. in Genk, leading to the creation of Marchandise Genk and extending its sales and rental activities across Limburg and Flemish Brabant.
- December 2024: Acquisition of Somja Benoit GCA, rebranded as Marchandise Montzen, further strengthening the company’s presence in eastern Belgium.
- January 2026: Marchandise also became the official Manitou, Takeuchi and Avant dealer for the province of Luxembourg.
📌 Marchandise today
- More than 80 employees across three locations: Engis, Genk, and Montzen;
- A trusted partner in the agricultural, industrial, construction, earthmoving, landscaping, events, logistics and public sectors;
- Distributor of leading brands such as MANITOU, TOYOTA, TAKEUCHI, AVANT, LEGUAN, PÖTTINGER, GEHL, AVANT, CASTROL;
- A rental fleet of more than 800 machines;
- A comprehensive range of services, including sales, rental, maintenance, training, transport and related support services.
🎯The future
With more than six decades of experience, Marchandise continues to grow with a clear ambition: to support professionals sustainably in their projects through high-performance, reliable and innovative solutions. The company relies on strong expertise, a team of passionate specialists, and an ever-expanding network to meet the needs of the agricultural, construction, industrial and service sectors.
Beyond the sale and rental of machinery, Marchandise has evolved into a comprehensive partner capable of providing end-to-end support, including consulting, financing, maintenance, spare parts, operator training and specialised technical services. This integrated approach allows customers to benefit from a single point of contact and a local service, ensuring responsiveness and efficiency in the field.
The company also continues to invest in its infrastructure, machine fleet and employee training programmes to remain at the forefront of technological advancements and market demands. Innovation, service quality and customer satisfaction remain at the heart of every decision.
Driven by its core values — trust, teamwork, quality and commitment — Marchandise aims to continue growing while preserving the DNA of a family-owned business that remains close to its customers and partners. Looking to the future, its objective remains unchanged: to actively contribute to the success of professionals by providing solutions tailored to their needs.