In an exclusive conversation with MENA Covering, Mr. Geert Vandamme, Head of sales and marketing at VEBE flooring and a key figure within the Condor Group, shared powerful insights on the company’s impressive growth trajectory, its firm belief in textile floor coverings, and the group’s increasing interest in the Middle East as a key market for future expansion.
“If you’re looking for expansion, I think this is the place to be,” Vandamme remarked while visiting the Gulf region. “Construction is booming, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down. We’ve heard that oil reserves could last for another 90 years, but what’s even more fascinating is that only about 1.5% of Dubai’s revenue reportedly comes from oil—most of it is already from tourism and commerce.”
Founded in 1992 by two brothers, Condor Group has grown from a modest family-run business into a global textile flooring powerhouse. Since joining the group in 1998, Vandamme has witnessed the company transform dramatically:
“We started with two companies. Today, we operate seven companies, employ 1,300 colleagues, and have a turnover approaching €800 million annually. We produce around 200 million square meters of carpet every year.”
Despite the global popularity of hard surface flooring like LVT and SPC, Condor Group continues to invest heavily in textile floor coverings, believing firmly in their value, comfort, and design potential.
“Every year we upgrade our machinery and production lines. Innovation in technology is key to staying ahead,” Vandamme said. “We run a flat organizational structure. It’s a family company, and we work like one.”
From its base in the Netherlands, where all seven companies are located within a 5-kilometer radius, Condor Group exports to 85–90 countries worldwide. While most of its core business remains within a 2,000 km radius, the company is exploring long-term opportunities beyond Europe.
“We’re always looking at international investment options, including potential operations in America. But with today’s volatile world—fluctuating exchange rates, geopolitical tensions, and global uncertainties—we proceed with caution,” Vandamme noted.
Still, the Middle East stands out as a promising landscape for growth.
“The scale of development here is remarkable. The region clearly values design and innovation, which aligns perfectly with our direction.”
As Condor Group continues to expand its footprint, it remains grounded in family values, cutting-edge manufacturing, and an unwavering commitment to quality textile flooring.
