BESIX Unitec
BESIX Unitec is a Belgium-based infrastructure technology contractor serving public agencies and large network operators in Belgium and the Netherlands. It delivers automation, control systems, fiber-optic networks, and tunnel, bridge, and waterway infrastructure, with end-to-end design, build, and long-term maintenance under DBFM contracts.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1973
- HeadquartersSchelle, Belgium
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What BESIX Unitec does
BESIX Unitec is a Belgian-headquartered infrastructure technology contractor operating in Belgium and the Netherlands, formed from the merger of Van den Berg (energy and data networks) and Agidens Infra Automation (infrastructure automation). The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BESIX Group and delivers end-to-end infrastructure solutions spanning design, engineering, execution and long-term maintenance. Its portfolio is organized into four service areas: Underground Infrastructure (cable and duct installation, horizontal directional drilling, rail technical infrastructure), Technical Projects (control centers, high-voltage works, heat networks, waterways and lock systems, tunnel systems), Fiber Projects (FTTH deployment and backbone fiber for Infrabel and telecom operators), and Installation & Maintenance (building techniques, multimedia, surveillance, and digital meters via the 3DM joint venture).
BESIX Unitec's core technology centers on industrial infrastructure automation and control systems, including tunnel safety installations (fire suppression, water mist, overpressure), ETCS railway signalling implementation, fiber-optic installation with OTDR measurement reporting, and movable-bridge and lock automation combining electrotechnical, mechanical and hydraulic disciplines. It operates specialized capabilities such as horizontal directional drilling to cross canals, waterways, railways and highways without major disruption. Customers are predominantly public-sector infrastructure agencies (Rijkswaterstaat, ProRail, Infrabel, AWV, De Werkvennootschap) and large network operators (Fluvius, Elia, Proximus, Fiberklaar, Wyre), with Port of Antwerp-Bruges as a port authority client.
The company generates revenue through project-based infrastructure contracts and long-term managed services, notably DBFM (Design-Build-Finance-Maintain) arrangements with maintenance obligations of 15–30 years (e.g., R4WO Gand, Liefkenshoek railway tunnel). Its go-to-market relies on direct enterprise engagement, public procurement tenders, and consortium partnerships with BESIX Group affiliates and other large contractors. Pricing is project-specific and not publicly disclosed. Founded in 1973 (as Van den Berg), the company now operates from Schelle (Belgium), Bilzen (Belgium), and BESIX Unitec Nederland.
BESIX Unitec firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- BESIX Unitec
- Legal name
- BESIX Unitec
- Website
- https://besixunitec.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1973
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- BESIX Unitec is a Belgium-based infrastructure technology contractor serving public agencies and large network operators in Belgium and the Netherlands. It delivers automation, control systems, fiber-optic networks, and tunnel, bridge, and waterway infrastructure, with end-to-end design, build, and long-term maintenance under DBFM contracts.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
BESIX Unitec industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Infrastructure Construction & Maintenance Services
- NAICS
- Power and Communication Line and Related Structures Construction (237130), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151)
- SIC
- Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373), Services-Facilities Support Management Services (8744)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Telecommunications & Network Equipment (TLAIALAN)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Network, Infrastructure & Data Center Integration (BPAEAAAK)
Keywords
Where BESIX Unitec is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Schelle
- HQ country
- Belgium
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices3 records
Markets served
BESIX Unitec business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Infrastructure Project Delivery: End-to-end infrastructure solutions from design and engineering to execution, including complex network infrastructures, traffic systems, tunnels, bridges and other critical infrastructure applications. Revenue generated through project-based contracts, often as part of consortium arrangements.
- Long-term Maintenance Services: Ongoing maintenance contracts ensuring infrastructure continues to function properly after delivery. Includes 15-year maintenance agreements for systems such as the Liefkenshoek railway tunnel.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Project-based infrastructure services |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels4 records
BESIX Unitec product offering
Product offeringCore offering
BESIX Unitec delivers end-to-end infrastructure solutions—from design and engineering to execution and long-term maintenance—across four core service areas: underground infrastructure (cable/duct installation, horizontal directional drilling, railway technical infrastructure), technical projects (tunnel systems, high voltage works, waterway/lock systems, bridge control systems), fiber optic network deployment (FTTH, backbones, GSM masts), and installation & maintenance (digital energy meters, surveillance, multimedia). The company serves government infrastructure agencies and large network operators in Belgium and the Netherlands through direct enterprise contracts, public tenders, and multi-decade DBFM consortium partnerships.
Product overview
BESIX Unitec is a technology partner for infrastructure projects in Belgium and the Netherlands, formed from the merger of Van den Berg (energy and data networks) and Agidens Infra Automation (infrastructure automation). The company operates as a unified infrastructure solutions provider organized into four main service areas: Underground Infrastructure (cable/duct installation, horizontal directional drilling, rail technical infrastructure), Technical Projects (control centers, high voltage works, heat/water management, waterways, tunnels), Fiber Projects (FTTH deployment, fiber optic systems), and Installation & Maintenance (building techniques, multimedia, maintenance, surveillance, digital meters). The portfolio includes specialized services like tunnel safety systems, bridge control systems, and smart infrastructure automation, delivered through end-to-end solutions from design and engineering to execution and long-term maintenance.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- BESIX Connect: Subsidiary mentioned in company contact information
- BESIX Reditec
- Lucan
- 3DM
Products and services
- Underground Infrastructure
- Technical Projects
- Fiber Projects Fiber optic network deployment and installation services enabling faster data communication, including Fiber to the Home (FTTH) deployments and fiber optic systems for backbones, Infrabel, business clients, and GSM masts. Delivered to telecom operators across Belgium.
- Installation and Maintenance End-to-end installation services and long-term maintenance partnerships covering building techniques, multimedia, maintenance operations, surveillance systems, and digital meter (3DM) installation, delivered to network operators, government agencies, and port authorities.
- 3DM Digital Meters Digital gas and electricity meter installation service delivered through the 3DM joint venture (BESIX, Equans, Jacops) for network manager Fluvius in East and West Flanders provinces, having installed over 1.2 million digital energy meters as part of the Flemish digital meter rollout program.
- Fiber to the Home (FTTH) Fiber optic deployment service partnering with telecom operators Proximus, Fiberklaar, and Wyre to deploy fiber infrastructure connecting homes and businesses in urban and less urban areas across Belgium.
- Tunnel Systems Technical tunnel systems for rail and road traffic including safety technologies (automatic fire extinguishing, water mist, overpressure), emergency lighting, sprinkler systems, air purification, CCTV surveillance, and tunnel automation for operational cost and risk management.
- High Voltage Works High voltage electrical infrastructure services including GIS building construction, traction stations, and conversion, extension, and automation of high voltage installations, delivered to electricity transmission system operators such as Elia.
- Bridge Control Systems Specialist control systems for bridges and locks including electrotechnical, control, mechanical, and hydraulic installations for movable bridge systems, including the new western Merwedebrug at Gorinchem.
Quantifiable outcome
- 1.2 million+ digital energy meters installed through 3DM joint venture
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use BESIX Unitec
Customer profileNamed customers13 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
BESIX Unitec technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
BESIX Unitec partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- TM ROCO ConsortiumcoreConsortium comprising BESIX, BESIX Infra, Cordeel, DEME, Denys, Jan De Nul, Van Laere and Willemen, in collaboration with Lantis, responsible for Oosterweelverbinding project including canal tunnels construction with approximately 9,000 visitors during Open Wervendag.
- ALSÉÉNcorePartner who awarded BESIX Unitec Nederland the contract for bridge technical installations of the new western Merwedebrug at Gorinchem, with collaboration also involving Ballast Nedam, Fluor, and Rijkswaterstaat.
- TM Crusoë ConsortiumcoreTemporary consortium awarded Oosterweeleiland redevelopment project by Port of Antwerp-Bruges, including BESIX Unitec as part of the partnership.
- TM Bever ConsortiumcoreConsortium including BESIX, BESIX Infra, BESIX Unitec, STADSBADER, STADSBADER CONTRACTORS and Equans, awarded contract by AWV (Agentschap Wegen en Verkeer) for complete renovation of Beverentunnel (R2) in Antwerp port area.
- BRAVO4 ConsortiumcoreConsortium of BESIX, EPICo, I4B – The Belgian Infrastructure Fund, RID PPP (Rebel and Abrdn) and Stadsbader responsible for Design, Build, Finance & Maintenance of R4WO Gand transformation project worth €726 million over 30 years.
- 3DM Joint VenturecoreJoint venture comprising BESIX, Equans and Jacops created to install digital gas and electricity meters in East and West Flanders provinces, having installed over 1.2 million digital energy meters.
- ProximuscoreTelecom operator partnership for FTTH fiber network deployment in urban areas including Limburg, Flemish Brabant, Brussels periphery, and West Flanders regions.
- FiberklaarcoreTelecom partner for FTTH deployment bringing high-quality fiber internet to households in less urbanized areas including Sint-Niklaas, Mechelen, and surrounding regions.
- WyreminorTelecom partner for fiber optic installation in Maldegem and Bruges, with network deployment starting in Q4 2024.
- InfrabelcoreBelgian rail infrastructure manager for whom BESIX Unitec performs signalling system renewal across Antwerp port railway network, including fibre optic installation and ETCS implementation.
- BESIX Middle EastminorRelated entity within BESIX Group awarded UAE Impact Seal – Gold Level recognition for sustainability and CSR performance, demonstrating group-wide commitment to sustainability standards.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
BESIX Unitec competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- BAM Infra: Infrastructure arm of Royal BAM Group, one of the largest Dutch construction conglomerates, active in roads, rail, energy networks and large public works. Competes with BESIX Unitec inside the same consortia (e.g. NS Rijswijk, Dutch mega-projects) but as part of a much broader construction portfolio.
- VolkerWessels: Large Dutch construction group with dedicated infrastructure, energy and telecom network installation divisions. Competes for Dutch and Belgian public infrastructure tenders alongside BESIX Unitec, particularly in fiber and energy network rollouts.
- Heijmans: Major Dutch listed construction and infrastructure company with significant exposure to roads, energy networks and large public-private partnerships. Competes on the same DBFM-style tenders as BESIX Unitec but across a much wider construction and real estate portfolio.
Others
- Sweco: European engineering and design consultancy with strong Benelux presence in rail, water, energy and tunnel infrastructure. Often partners with (rather than competes with) construction-and-installation firms like BESIX Unitec on large public infrastructure programs.
- Arcadis: Global design and engineering consultancy with significant Dutch and Belgian operations in mobility, water and energy infrastructure. Functions as upstream design partner to construction-and-installation contractors including BESIX Unitec on projects such as R4WO and Oosterweel.
Direct peers
- Koninklijke Volker Stevin: Dutch civil and infrastructure contractor delivering tunnel technical systems, lock and movable bridge installations, and energy/fiber networks. Comparable niche infrastructure install and maintenance profile to BESIX Unitec within the same BeNeLux market.
- A.Hak: Dutch specialist in cable and pipeline infrastructure for energy and telecom networks, including fiber rollout, high-voltage cabling and horizontal directional drilling. Strongly comparable to BESIX Unitec's underground infrastructure and fiber installation services.
- Strukton: Dutch rail and infrastructure specialist delivering signaling (ETCS), electrification and tunnel technical installations across the Netherlands. Direct overlap with BESIX Unitec's Infrabel/ProRail work and tunnel systems capability.
- Equans: Multi-technical services provider (part of Bouygues) active in Benelux across energy networks, digital infrastructure, fiber, tunnel and rail systems. Equans is already BESIX Unitec's JV partner in the 3DM smart-meter rollout, demonstrating direct overlap in capability and customer base.
- SPIE SA: French-headquartered technical services group with substantial Benelux operations delivering electrical, mechanical and ICT infrastructure services to telecom operators, energy utilities and public infrastructure clients. Closest functional peer to BESIX Unitec's network installation, high-voltage and tunnel/automation work.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
BESIX Unitec social profiles
Digital presenceBESIX Unitec financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
BESIX Unitec leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
BESIX Unitec funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
BESIX Unitec M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about BESIX Unitec
What does BESIX Unitec do?
BESIX Unitec delivers end-to-end infrastructure solutions—from design and engineering to execution and long-term maintenance—across four core service areas: underground infrastructure (cable/duct installation, horizontal directional drilling, railway technical infrastructure), technical projects (tunnel systems, high voltage works, waterway/lock systems, bridge control systems), fiber optic network deployment (FTTH, backbones, GSM masts), and installation & maintenance (digital energy meters, surveillance, multimedia). The company serves government infrastructure agencies and large network operators in Belgium and the Netherlands through direct enterprise contracts, public tenders, and multi-decade DBFM consortium partnerships.
Is BESIX Unitec a public or private company?
BESIX Unitec is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was BESIX Unitec founded?
BESIX Unitec was founded in 1973. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is BESIX Unitec based?
BESIX Unitec is headquartered in Schelle, Belgium, in the Europe region.
How does BESIX Unitec make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Infrastructure Project Delivery is the primary driver. The others are long-term Maintenance Services.
Who are BESIX Unitec's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are BAM Infra, VolkerWessels and Heijmans. Others are Sweco and Arcadis. Direct peers are Koninklijke Volker Stevin, A.Hak, Strukton, Equans and SPIE SA.
Does BESIX Unitec have an API?
No public API is recorded for BESIX Unitec.
What industry is BESIX Unitec in?
BESIX Unitec's product category is Infrastructure Construction & Maintenance Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is TLAIALAN, Telecommunications & Network Equipment, with a secondary code of BPAEAAAK, Network, Infrastructure & Data Center Integration. Its NAICS code is 237130 and its SIC code is 7373.