About us
How it all started...
DEVAKO is a family business with deep roots in West Flanders and a passion for machines that has lasted for over three decades. The story of DEVAKO began in the late 1980s in Kortemark, where Patrick Depuydt and Martine Van Haecke laid the foundations of the company. The name DEVAKO tells the story immediately: DE from Depuydt, VA from Van Haecke, and KO from Kortemark – the place where it all began.
From agricultural machines to broad expertise
The first activities took place on the then-active farm and consisted of buying and selling new and used agricultural machines. DEVAKO quickly became a recognized player in the sector. We became dealers for Peecon agricultural machines, Thomas skidsteer loaders, and Kuhn hay-equipment, with a strong specialization in Linde forklifts. Around 2000, the Merlo dealership was also added.
Patrick, the founder, literally drove the truck himself in those early years. He personally collected the machines, brought them to our workshop for inspection, and delivered them directly to the customer.
The trade in used and refurbished machines grew rapidly and soon reached beyond the borders, with customers across the Benelux.
First steps in rental
Around 2000, a new direction was taken with the purchase of the first aerial platform and excavator for rental. What started as a small-scale local initiative would later grow into a full-fledged and important pillar of the company.
A new generation, a new dynamic
In 2009, son Laurens joined the company. Four years later, in january 2013, he and his wife Marlies founded an additional company: DEVAKO Machinery, to further develop the rental, sales, and service of construction machines.
That same year marked a crucial milestone for future growth: DEVAKO Machinery became the exclusive importer of AIRMAN mini excavators, strengthening our market position.
Growth, visibility, and A-brands
In 2015, DEVAKO Machinery moved to a new facility in Zedelgem, strategically located along the busy Torhout–Bruges road. Thanks to this location, rental services received a strong boost and significant investments were made in additional machines and trucks.
The range was further expanded with additional A-brands such as Pitbull and Norcar, always with the same focus: quality, reliability, and durability.
In 2023, DEVAKO made another strategic move by acquiring Espritt Forestry Tools, the exclusive importer of the Först brand, known for its high-quality wood chippers on tracks and trailers. This strengthened and expanded our offering in the professional forestry and green maintenance segment.
Rental with a human touch
Our rental department has steadily grown into a significant pillar within DEVAKO. Today we operate a fleet of approximately 200 machines, supported by a dedicated and experienced team fully focused on rental. This allows us to respond quickly, flexibly, and professionally to our customers’ needs, for both short and long-term projects.
Rental operations are managed daily by Marlies, who is also the first point of contact by phone for our customers. This direct contact is essential: listening, collaborating, and responding quickly makes all the difference.
Together with a motivated and committed team, we ensure that every rental runs smoothly – from advice and planning to delivery and follow-up. This combines the strength of a large rental fleet with the personal approach and accessibility of a family business.
Service and family values
Over the years, one thing has remained constant: high-quality service is at the core of DEVAKO. It remains our primary calling card. As a family business, we value a personal approach, short communication lines, and a trusting relationship with our customers. With us, the customer is never just a number.
We work exclusively with A-brands and dedicate ourselves daily to expertise, service, and engagement. In this way, we build a sustainable future together with our customers.
DEVAKO – strong machines, reliable service, powered by a family story.
