History

Discover our company’s history

We look back with pride on a more than 75+ year success story in the energy sector and towards an even brighter future.

Diversification

2023

WESTFA Holding becomes Adeleon

Since the original founding of WESTFA in 1946, our corporate values have been deeply rooted in family traditions and the pursuit of a greener future. In 2021, this evolution led to a division into WESTFA Energy GmbH and WESTFA Holding GmbH, the latter also overseeing "WESTFA Invest", which manages new business fields in various industries. This structural change highlighted the need for a name change to associate the "WESTFA" brand exclusively with the LPG sector, where it is well known and established.

For the first time, we embark on a rebranding journey to rename "WESTFA Holding" and "WESTFA Invest", aiming to harmonise tradition with modernity. We proudly present "Adeleon Familienholding GmbH", "Adeleon Invest" or simply "Adeleon", inspired by our founder Adele Brand, symbolising a fresh start ("on"). This new identity subtly nods to our WESTFA heritage while reflecting our commitment to our mission and our current trajectory.

Press release
WESTFA Holding becomes Adeleon
2023

Belcotec celebrates being named 'Best Company in Flanders'

Belcotec, a subsidiary of Adeleon, made headlines in the third quarter of 2023 when it won the prestigious Voka Award and was named "Best Company in Flanders". The award was celebrated by Managing Director Jan Vangeel and his team at the awards ceremony and recognised by the Belgian Minister of the Interior, Annelies Verlinden. This recognition underlines our successful acquisition of Belcotec, a successful decision that continues to fill us with pride.

Press release
Belcotec celebrates being named 'Best Company in Flanders'
Since
2022

Parallel Growth and Diversification Initiatives

The acquisitions of KÖHL, Belcotec, Luxelec and Vrebos mark a key milestone in Adeleon's development. By acquiring specialist companies in the energy and real estate sectors, Adeleon has successfully expanded its portfolio and market presence. By leveraging the synergies between these different organisations, Adeleon has effectively strengthened its position as a leading player in the European market by driving innovation and creating value across sectors.

Press release
Parallel Growth and Diversification Initiatives

Liquid Gas

2019

Expansion into the Netherlands and France

In 2019, Adeleon significantly expanded its presence in the European market, particularly in the Netherlands and France. To further expand its autogas business in Germany, Adeleon acquired BK-Gas Deutschland, a part of the Dutch Nefco Group, one of the largest resellers of liquid gas in Northwestern Europe. This acquisition brought several additional gas stations and supply contracts into Adeleon's portfolio.

The sale of BK-Gas served as a precursor to Adeleon's acquisition of the entire Nefco Group. After a competitive bidding process, Adeleon emerged as the winner. Nefco with its brands "OK Gas" and "BK Gas" comprises multiple gas suppliers, primarily active in the Belgian and Dutch markets and is market leader in the autogas sector. BK Gas possesses a robust wholesale infrastructure and operates a shipping terminal, providing Adeleon with new opportunities in the gas trade.

2019

BK Gas GmbH

In order to expand its strong market position, Adeleon takes over BK-Gas GmbH and integrates it into the existing LPG organization. Until then, BK-Gas had belonged to the Nefco Group, which is also taken over by Adeleon a short time later.

2018

WPG Westfälische Propan GmbH

WPG Westfälische Propan GmbH was founded in 1951 by municipalities to supply liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to households in rural and suburban areas. In 2018, Adeleon acquired the company, which had expanded its LPG tank storage facility in Detmold over the years and built a network of autogas filling stations. In 2020, WPG was assigned the customers of Stadtwerke Lemgo as this business section was also aquired by Adeleon in 2020.