Astra Sweets

‍About Astra Sweets‍

Astra Sweets is a well-established name in the world of confectionery. From their production facility in Turnhout, they produce thousands of metric tons of treats each year for both the Belgian and international markets. Behind this sweet world lies a well-oiled production operation, and A-kwadraat has played an indispensable role in it A-kwadraat years.

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How We're Working Together to Strengthen Astra Sweets

Our team supports Astra Sweets exactly where it’s needed. Especially when it comes to co-packing: assembling, packaging, and finishing candy in all kinds of shapes.

We step in when Astra Sweets’ production capacity is insufficient or when customized employement are customized employement , both at their facility and at our own. For example, we help with:

• Putting together assortment boxes for supermarkets,
• Packaging UFOs for the U.S. market,
• Setting up displays for seasonal promotions,
• Correction work, for example, when a batch of candy doesn't look quite right.

This flexibility allows Astra Sweets to handle peaks in demand and adapt quickly without compromising on quality.

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This Is How We Work Together 

Peace and Trust

Ann Aerts has been working as a planner at Astra Sweets for more than 25 years.“For as long as I can remember, A-kwadraat has been A-kwadraat highly reliable partner for Astra Sweets. Nothing is too much for them—they’re always smiling and proud, working at a brisk pace and with an eye for detail. Continuity and extra help during peak periods are guaranteed, which gives me, as a planner, peace of mind and confidence in the process.”

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One team, one spirit

What makes this partnership so special is how seamlessly our team blends in with the Astra team. Our people wear the same company uniforms, have their own lockers, and simply join everyone else at the table in the cafeteria.

Day-to-day communication runs smoothly thanks to Mie, the job coach A-kwadraat is literally seated among the Astra colleagues. Thanks to these short lines of communication, we can adapt quickly and ensure that our collaboration continues to run smoothly.

Whenever possible, employees A-kwadraat from A-kwadraat the regular job market. For example, employees at Astra Sweets have already started working in the catering, cleaning, and packaging departments. They undergo the same quality and safety training as other Astra employees to meet current strict standards. They receive regular training and are regularly tested, and they take this seriously. Bring on those audits!

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The Added Value of A-kwadraat

To Astra Sweets, we are much more than just an operational partner. We bring calm, flexibility, and craftsmanship to a production environment that is constantly changing.

• Flexibility: We step in when needed, without compromising on quality.
• Precision: We perform our work carefully and consistently, even when carrying out repetitive tasks.
• Team spirit: Our people become fully integrated into the Astra team.
• Sustainability: Collaborating locally means less transportation and a smaller ecological footprint.
• Entrepreneurship: We actively contribute ideas, adapt, and work together to find solutions.

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How We Make an Impact Together

Our collaboration with Astra Sweets proves that social entrepreneurship and industrial efficiency go hand in hand. Whereas there used to be a distinction between a “sheltered workshop” and a “business partner,” today we speak of a full-fledged partnership.

“It’s really wonderful to see how the A-kwadraat Astra employees come together with mutual respect. They’re just part of our team!” says Ann.“Once, during our Open House, I heard someone ask an A-kwadraat employee, ‘Where do you work?’, to which he replied with great pride, ‘Here, at Astra Sweets.’ “And what exactly do you do here?” “I package the world’s most delicious candies here!” Just to say that they really belong here. It feels good to be part of this social mission.”