SBD member Philippe Klapholz of VR Diamond Manufacturers is among the five finalists of Het Product Made in Antwerpen (The Product Made in Antwerp). The company is competing with its precision diamonds for industrial applications.

Philippe founded VR Diamond Manufacturers in 1983. At the factory in Zandhoven, a team of five processes natural and CVD diamond into custom-made components. They combine more than forty years of craftsmanship with modern techniques such as laser cutting and precision polishing.

The precision diamonds are used in medical technology, electronics, watchmaking and the semiconductor industry, as well as in waterjet cutting and specialised industrial tools. The company is currently placing extra focus on diamond styluses for record players, where shape and finish determine how well the end product performs.

The entire manufacturing process is carried out in-house. This allows the company to control quality from start to finish and to develop solutions tailored to the specific needs of clients across Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States. It also continues to invest in more sustainable production.

The nomination is well-deserved recognition for Philippe and his team, and shows how far Antwerp’s diamond expertise reaches.