From a small manufacturing and trading company formed by Leo Leander Bekaert in 1880, Bekaert has grown to become a world-wide Group, having its headquarters in Belgium.

Bekaert produces and markets a wide range of products based on its two core competences: advanced metal transformation and advanced materials and coatings.  The Group's activities are viewed in terms of four segments: advanced wire transformation, fencing systems Europe, advanced materials and advanced coatings.

Leo Leander Bekaert, the Group's founder, started out towards the end of the 19th century by producing barbed wire in answer to farmers' fencing problems.

Bekaert embarked on its international growth back in the 20s, first in Western Europe, later in Latin America and then from the 70s onwards in North America. The internationalisation of the Bekaert Group has accelerated in Asia in the 90s. The use of steel cord for rubber reinforcement, especially in radial tires, and the developments in advanced materials played a major role in this international growth. Bekaert has achieved its world-wide leadership by taking maximum advantage of growth opportunities in specific niches in fast-growing markets.

Bekaert is working to further reinforce its position as global market leader and hence extending its international activities.  In the mature markets, Bekaert is consolidating the strong position that it has held for many years.  The company aims to strengthen its presence in various growth markets.  Important progress towards this goal was achieved in 2003.  Bekaert acquired substantial positions in advanced wire products in Central end Eastern Europe.  In China, Bekaert is aiming for a total production capacity of 120 000 tonnes of steel cord products for radial tire reinforcement by the end of 2004.  New growth opportunities in Russia are also being studied.