Stephan Schumacher began repairing organs at the end of the Second World War. Originally a cabinetmaker, his fascination with the instrument led him to work for several organbuilders before launching his own business in 1956. His son Guido, an art historian and musicologist, joined him at the company’s helm in 1984. Today, Schumacher organbuilders is the largest company of its kind in Belgium, with expertise recognised around the world.
In 2025, the company’s sales revenue will be in the range of €1.5 to €1.8 million, with a workforce of 15 employees, all experts in wood and metal or skilled harmonists. “We have so much work! Our order book is full for the next three years,” explains Guido.
"},"alignedImage":{"position":"right","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/ec0e4cd3-4d21-4aed-a7a0-0f58fc598beb/La-manufacture-d-orgues-Schumacher-2","original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/552a1f6a7aec7cae/original/La-manufacture-d-orgues-Schumacher-2.png","extension":"png"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Craftsmanship and excellence in the face of current challenges"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"The company’s success is entirely due to the many skills of its employees, who are organbuilders, cabinetmakers, restorers, gilders and harmonists, with mechanical and artistic expertise. The main activity of these high-end craftsmen is the restoration of organs, like the one in Antwerp’s Cathedral.
“We specialise in restoring instruments. Many of them are listed as historic monuments and are located in magnificent historic buildings. Because Belgium has a rich tradition of old instruments, the emphasis is on restoration rather than building new instruments,” Guido explains.
Restorations account for around 65-70% of sales, new instruments for around 20%, and maintenance for 10-15%.
But this high-end craftsmanship faces several challenges.
Shortage of manpower: the company has struggled to find workers, organ builders, and cabinetmakers. Young people are simply less interested in manual careers or craftsmanship.
“Organ classes in the academies are less popular. Which makes sense. How can a child want to learn to play the organ if they don’t go to church and have never heard what an organ sounds like? The organ is an underrated instrument. Most people associate it with sacred music. But it is actually very versatile, you can play all kinds of music on it, including transcriptions of film music and jazz,” Guido explains.
Remuneration that is not always in line with the level of expertise: organbuilders are high-end craftsmen whose pay does not always reflect their qualifications. The proximity of Luxembourg, where salaries are higher, also makes the sector less appealing.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"ING, a bank and a strategic partner"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"ING has assisted the company and its founder from the outset. This decades-long collaboration was further strengthened in 2011 when Guido invested in a new workshop.
"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"2011: buying a workshop with strategic support from ING","richBody":{"value":"
The reason for buying this 2,100-m² industrial hall was to bring all the organbuilder’s skills under one roof, from selecting oak planks from the company’s own lumberyard to welding pipes and sound testing.
Guido contacted several banks for support with his investment project. By advising him and asking questions, ING was able to retain his trust.
“I contacted several banks about taking out a loan. But ING was the only bank to actually challenge me, warning me of the potential risks of my project and asking me many questions.
In those days, I didn’t have the managerial experience I have today. The other banks were happy to extend a loan based on a solid business plan and project, whereas ING was happy to be the adviser that I needed”, he says.
The partnership is still going strong, Guido says.
“ING has accompanied me every step of the way in all my investment projects. It understood the specific requirements of my business, suggesting flexible options.”
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"The real challenge for Schumacher Orgelbau: the transition"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"At 68, Guido is just as passionate about his job and his company. However, he is now preparing the next phase in the company’s history. Because nobody in his family is interested in taking over the business, he is hoping to find an outsider to ensure the preservation of this exceptional know-how.
So who would be the ideal buyer for Schumacher Orgelbau?
Guido is quick to reassure us that he is not necessarily looking for a musician. Several profiles could take over at the helm. An artistic profile, such as an art historian or an architect who is interested in restoration, or a technical profile, such as an engineer with an interest in art and mechanics.
“I’m happy to stay on board for as long as it takes. It is my hope that this ancestral know-how is retained in Eupen.”
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Solid assets for the future"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"In Guido’s opinion, the manufacture is here to stay, ensuring that the sound of organs will continue to resonate for many years to come.
The factory’s order book is full for the next 3 years. Guido estimates that restoring and maintaining the organs in Belgium’s main churches could keep the company in business for another 50 years! What’s more, the factory has an accreditation that is virtually unique in Belgium, enabling it to tender for all public contracts in the field of organbuilding and restoration.
Attention all interested parties: if you’re looking to acquire a unique company with a bright future in Eupen, Schumacher Orgelbau ticks all the boxes!
"}}]}}}