- Nyobe has started decommissioning its polymerization plant in Kruisem, Belgium under Project Nyobe.
- SSMI (Specialised Sustainable Machinery International) will manage full dismantling, asset inventory and site restoration.
- The facility will be cleared over the next 10 months, with possible building demolition depending on client decisions to optimize costs and scrap recovery.
- Polymerization and extrusion machinery will be inventoried and offered for resale to SSMI's international buyer network of over 110,000 contacts.
In a significant development for the European polymer industry, Nyobe has officially begun the decommissioning of its production facility in Kruisem, Belgium. This move marks the closure of one of the region’s long-standing polymerization plants, as the company pivots toward a more sustainable and future-ready industrial model.
The closure is part of Project Nyobe, a strategic partnership with Swiss-based firm SSMI (Specialised Sustainable Machinery International), which is overseeing the plant’s full dismantling and asset management process. Over the next 10 months, the facility will be systematically cleared, with a strong emphasis on environmental responsibility, safety, and asset reuse.
A Circular Economy Milestone
“This isn’t just about shutting down a plant—it’s about closing a chapter responsibly while preparing for the next,” said Michael Kreher, Sales Manager at SSMI. “Project Nyobe exemplifies how industrial sites can be decommissioned in a way that maximizes value recovery and minimizes environmental impact.”
SSMI’s role includes complete asset inventory, disassembly of high-value machinery, and site restoration to a “broom clean” condition. Depending on final client decisions, the building structure may also be demolished to further optimize costs and scrap recovery.
Equipment for Global Resale
The closure brings to market a wide range of advanced machinery, including complete polymerization systems and extrusion equipment. SSMI will offer these assets to its international buyer network of over 110,000 contacts, promoting reuse and extending the life of the high-performance machinery.
“Our priority is to give this equipment a second life,” Kreher added. “Whether it’s through direct sales or auctions, we aim to place these machines where they can keep contributing to sustainable textile and polymer production.”
Public Access and Transparency
In a nod to transparency and buyer confidence, SSMI has launched an interactive 3D tour of the Nyobe facility. Potential buyers and industry professionals can virtually walk through the extrusion and polymerization sections, explore machinery, and get a close-up look at what’s available—all from their screens.
The End of an Era, the Start of Another
Nyobe’s decision reflects broader industrial trends toward decarbonization, consolidation, and technological modernization. While the closure may bring a sense of nostalgia for those who worked in or with the Kruisem facility, the project underscores a proactive approach to managing industrial transitions.
