Tom van Remortel is a name closely linked to the Antwerp diamond industry. His career began in 1990 at the former diamond research center, the WTOCD, and in 1995, he started his own independent business. Since last year, he has been operating under the name Antwerp Polishing Technologies. Over the years, he has installed and relocated dozens of diamond polishing workshops. “I feel married to the diamond industry,” Tom smiles. “It’s a passion that occupies me day and night.”
“If someone comes to me with an unrealistic request, I literally lose sleep over it until I’ve found a solution.”
What sets Tom apart is his unique approach. When faced with a challenge that seems unrealistic at first glance, he doesn’t give up. “I keep trying until I find a solution. That’s my success factor. If someone comes to me with an unrealistic request, I literally lose sleep over it until I’ve found a solution.” Personal relationships also play a key role in his work. He knows many of his clients well and has built friendly ties with many of them.
However, Tom is also concerned about the diamond industry. The shortage of diamonds to process in the jewelry diamond sector worries him. Currently, there is simply less demand from the main consumer markets. He advises diamond polishing factories to think more broadly, for instance, by considering industrial diamonds. “It can be challenging for a diamond company specializing in jewelry diamond processing to also work on industrial applications. Collaboration between companies in non-competitive areas could provide a solution.” Another issue is the loss of expertise due to the retirement of experienced polishers. “We must ensure that this knowledge isn’t lost and is passed on to the next generation.” He recently hired his young nephew, Gertjan, and encourages him to experiment and make mistakes. “You only learn by daring to try,” says Tom.
Tom also warns about the increasing disappearance of local suppliers of essential materials, such as polishing tangs, wheels, pots, and sliders. “Belgian materials, including tangs, are of top quality. I would advise the managers of diamond polishing workshops to build up a stock,” Tom suggests. However, the materials are often traditional and could be modernized. “Redesigning traditional instruments, such as the polishing wheel and tang, could make the polishing process more efficient.” Recently, Tom participated in an innovation project organized by the City of Antwerp to optimize the polishing tang. The solution they developed is a tang that descends parallel to the wheel rather than pivoting on its rear legs onto the wheel. Tom hopes to find an investor to bring the design into production.
He also encourages other SBD members to innovate, for example, by participating in an innovation project through the City of Antwerp. “Antwerp’s diamond polishing factories have unmatched expertise in polishing large and exceptional stones. With this project, the city strengthens the industry’s innovative character.” He urges polishing workshops to step out of their comfort zone. “The sector can be conservative, but continuous innovation is essential. We need to look outward,” he concludes.
