On 4 May Ahlers celebrated its 100th anniversary in Antwerp with many customers, partners and friends. /07 May 2009/

On 1 May 1909, Ahlers started as a shipping company in Antwerp for the German shipping line Hansa.

On 4 May 2009, Ahlers welcomed customers, partners, friends and staff in the renovated Ahlers House to celebrate the past 100 years.  It was a very nice and pleasant evening with some 600 guests among whom many well known people in the Belgian business and political world as well as partners and customers from abroad.

Speeches were held by Christian Leysen, Executive Chairman Ahlers and Marc Van Peel, Alderman of the Port of Antwerp. Karel De Gucht, Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs held a video-speech, being in Australia at the moment. Two great-granddaughters of the 2 founders of the company, Nathalie Leysen and Francisca Ahlers were interviewed as well as André Leysen and his wife Anne Ahlers, daughter of founder Herwig Ahlers. The presentation of the evening was in the capable hands of Belgian TV-presenter Fransesca Vanthielen.

An exhibition held on the 10th floor of the Ahlers House in Antwerp, which runs from May till November 2009, provides a visual overview of the most important facts of 100 years Ahlers.

To commemorate the company's 100 years in business, Christian Leysen has published the book: “100 jaar Ahlers in Antwerpen. Een familiebedrijf in een wereldhaven.” [100 Years of Ahlers in Antwerp. A Family Business in a World Port.] An English version will be available later on this year.