McThree Carpets
McThree Carpets
In April 2024, Troostwijk Auctions brought the story of McThree Carpets to a close. Once a Belgian leader in machine-woven carpets, selling in over 70 countries, the company filed for bankruptcy after years of financial struggles. Its 278 employees lost their jobs, and its factory in Waregem fell silent.
The contents, nearly 1,500 lots, included state-of-the-art Vandewiele weaving machines, packaging lines, finishing equipment, and heatset lines. “Given the unique nature of the auction, we expected worldwide interest,” said Joos Dauwe, Regional Manager at Troostwijk. He was right: more than 5,000 bidders from 16 countries placed over 35,000 bids.
Among them was Hossein Aliahmadi, a Canadian trader in textile machines. He flew to Belgium to inspect the equipment himself. “These types of machines rarely come up for sale like this,” he explained. “The competition was fierce, and I even got carried away at the end.”
Aliahmadi secured almost 40 lots, shipping them to clients in India, Oman, and beyond. For him, and for many buyers, the auction was both a challenge and an opportunity.
The McThree sale showed how Troostwijk Auctions can transform loss into renewal. Machines that once powered Belgian craftsmanship now fuel textile production across the globe, proving that even when factories close, their legacy continues.
Explore a virtual tour of the factory: McThree Carpets tour
