Astra Sweets

About Astra Sweets

Astra Sweets is a well-established name in the world of confectionery. From their production site in Turnhout, they produce thousands of tons of delicacies every year for the Belgian and international markets. Behind this sweet world is a well-oiled production process, in which A-kwadraat has played an indispensable role A-kwadraat years.

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How we strengthen Astra Sweets together

Our team supports Astra Sweets exactly where needed. Especially with co-packing: assembling, packaging, and finishing confectionery in all shapes and sizes.

We step in when Astra Sweets’ production capacity is insufficient or when customized employment are customized employment , whether at their facility or at our own. For example, we assist with:

• Putting together mixed boxes for supermarkets,
• Packaging UFOs for the American market,
• Setting up displays for seasonal promotions,
• Correction work, for example when a batch of candy does not look quite right.

This flexibility allows Astra Sweets to cope with peaks and switch quickly without compromising on quality.

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How we work together 

Peace and confidence

Ann Aerts has been working as a planner at Astra Sweets for over 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 always work with a smile and pride, at a brisk pace and with an eye for detail. Continuity and extra help during peak periods are guaranteed, giving me, as a planner, peace of mind and confidence in the process.”

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One team, one atmosphere

What makes this collaboration so special is how naturally our team blends in with the Astra team. Our people wear the same company clothing, 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 literally sits among the Astra colleagues. Thanks to these short lines of communication, we can adapt quickly and keep the collaboration running smoothly.

Whenever possible, employees from A-kwadraat the regular job market. For example, employees have already started working in the catering, cleaning, and packaging departments at Astra Sweets. 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

For 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 where necessary, without compromising on quality.
• Precision: our work is carried out carefully and consistently, even when performing repetitive tasks.
• Team spirit: our people integrate fully into the Astra team.
• Sustainability: working together locally means less transport 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 'sheltered workshop' and 'business partner', today we talk about a fully-fledged partnership.

“It’s wonderful to see how the A-kwadraat Astra employees come together with mutual respect. They’re just part of our family!” 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.”