From Bakelite to Power in Plastic
Three generations of expertise in plastics processing, from the first manual press in 1932 to the handover to Gilles in 2026.
Ons verhaal begint lang vóór de oprichting van AJ Solutions. De passie voor kunststofverwerking zit al generaties in de familie en gaat terug tot 1932, wanneer Alfred Stevens zijn eigen productiebedrijf opstart.
What began back then with bakelite, manual presses and a great deal of entrepreneurial spirit grew into an environment where knowledge of plastics, machinery and production was passed down from generation to generation. It was in that world that Alain Janssens got to know the industry from the inside out: on the shop floor, amongst moulds, injection moulding machines and production processes.
That experience forms the foundation of AJ Solutions today. Over the course of nearly a century, technology has evolved and machines and applications have changed, but the common thread has remained the same: technical expertise, entrepreneurship and a strong connection to the plastics industry.
1932
The launch of Usines Alfred Stevens
Alfred Stevens founded the company with the support of his father-in-law, Werner De Backer, co-founder of Niko. He left his permanent job as a train conductor behind and resolutely chose a future as a self-employed entrepreneur in what was then a fledgling plastics industry.
1934
The first production in bakelite
The first machine is a hand press used to make bakelite buttons. Each product is prepared, pressed and finished by hand. Bakelite, the raw material that forms one of the foundations of the modern plastics industry, marks the beginning of the manufacturing company.
The presses shown in the photo are also on display in our museum.
1940
Expansion of the product range
Stevens is expanding its range to include household, technical and industrial applications and packaging.
1950
In-house mould-making facility
In the early years, customers supplied their own moulds, but the company gradually developed its own mould-making facility.
1960
From pressing to injection moulding
After a few years, the company invested in its first injection moulding machine. This marked Stevens’ transition from traditional bakelite processing to modern plastic injection moulding. The machinery also includes equipment for thermosetting and thermoplastic materials.
1970
Strong growth and in-house toolmaking facility
The factory has its own tool shop where moulds are modified, refurbished and manufactured. During this period, the company continues to grow as a manufacturing partner for a wide range of customers and applications.
1975
Well-known products and customers
Stevens is well known in the Benelux for its tool boxes and products such as the Mille Croquette. It manufactures moulds and produces plastic components for DYMO. Its client list also includes names such as Fisher-Price.
1983
Investment in a new spraying facility
In 1983, Stevens invested in a new injection moulding facility. At that time, the company had around 80 employees and some 30 machines with clamping forces ranging from 15 to 750 tonnes.
1982
Alain Janssens joins Stevens
After completing his military service, Alain Janssens joined his grandfather’s company, whilst studying for a degree in Plastics Engineering in Ghent. He learnt the trade on the shop floor: from removing parts and deburring to assembling moulds, starting up production runs, planning and sales.
1986
First step towards sales and mechanical engineering
As working with his grandfather proved to be difficult, Alain opted for a sales role at Battenfeld Belgium. There, he combines practical experience with his technical training to market machinery and peripheral equipment.
1987
New role at MEC in the Benelux
Through his network in Ghent, Alain was given the opportunity to set up a plastics division at MEC (TRECO). He helped to establish Cincinnati-Milacron injection moulding machines and various brands of peripheral equipment in the Benelux.
1997
Further specialisation and market knowledge – Start at IPM
After around ten years, Alain was approached by market leader IPM, the representative for Engel injection moulding machines. He is responsible for Wallonia and for Piovan peripheral equipment in Belgium and Luxembourg. This period has strengthened his network and market knowledge within the plastics processing sector.
2006
Establishment of AJ Solutions
After 11 years at IPM, they are in a difficult position and are looking at other opportunities.
After years of experience in manufacturing, engineering and sales, Alain Janssens and Danielle Hoefnagels decided to set up AJ Solutions. They started out working from their home office, representing brands such as HB-Therm, Wanner and Ferlin…
The company specialises in high-quality solutions for plastics processing companies in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.
2008
Move to the offices in Zandhoven
In 2008, they moved to Zandhoven, to their current offices. An open house was also organised to mark the opening. In addition, Dirk joined us as our second sales representative.
Alain had hired Dirk at MEC in the past.
2021
Gilles joins AJ Solutions
In 2021, his son Gilles joined the company. This marked the start of preparations for a new generation in the family’s history.
2026
The third generation is taking over
In 2026 neemt Gilles de firma over. Zo blijft het familiale karakter behouden en wordt het verhaal van ondernemerschap, persoonlijke aanpak en technische expertise verdergezet met het vertrouwde Power in Plastic-team.