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About us

Mission and values

APAM is an ETA — Tailored Work Company (formerly “sheltered workshop”) — whose mission is to provide fulfilling jobs to 140 workers with disabilities: genuine integration into the world of work, financial autonomy and an activity tailored to their capacities. These workers have salaried-worker status.

APAM is a non-profit recognised and approved as ETA no. 6 by the COCOF, supported by a board of 11 volunteer directors.

With over 60 years of experience, we have developed the corporate culture of a dynamic, professional SME, with efficient tools and working methods at the client’s service. Each worker is given a workstation adapted to their disability, receives personal development from supervisors, and support from social workers.

65+years of experience
140workers with disabilities
27professional supervisors
11volunteer board members
Phare – Francophones Bruxelles – Febrap

Our values

Our values

Respect

Individual development

Initiative

Mutual aid

Customer satisfaction

… all with a touch of humour

Our history

Our story

APAM’s story begins in 1959, when several parents of mentally disabled children joined forces to find them a living environment and an occupation suited to their needs. Until then, these young people were condemned to inactivity and very often institutionalised.

Belgium’s first sheltered workshop
1960

Belgium’s first sheltered workshop

After a study visit to the Netherlands, Mrs C. Lambert-Vinchent created, in the basement of her own home, Belgium’s first sheltered workshop for people with mental disabilities: APAM. The workshop started with 7 workers aged 16 to 27.

APAM professionalises
1961–1968

APAM professionalises

The workforce grew quickly. In 1961, APAM moved into 600 m² of premises; in 1963 the workforce became mixed. Semi-automatic machines improved output and quality in packaging, electricity and mailing. In 1968, APAM moved to Ixelles (1,575 m², extended to 2,580 m² in 1990).

Ever more spacious workshops
1999–2010

Ever more spacious workshops

In 1999, APAM moved to 130 chaussée de Drogenbos in Uccle: a 6,000 m² industrial site with vast warehouses and premises suited to food packaging and woodworking. In 2010, a neighbouring site on rue de Calevoet was acquired for the Gardens & Landscapes section.

Belgium’s first sheltered workshop
Today

Belgium’s first sheltered workshop

APAM now counts 140 workers with different types of disability (mental, sensory, psychiatric…), supervised by a team of professionals.

Contact us

Since 1960, APAM has provided fulfilling jobs to 140 workers with disabilities — in the service of quality, flexibility and your deadlines.

Got a project? Let’s talk.

Describe what you need: we’ll get back to you quickly with a solution and a fair quote.