The International CBRNE Institute opened in Belgium on 5 October 2013.
The opening of the International CBRNE Institute, established by the directors of Hotzone Solutions Group at Les Bons Villers (Frasnes-Lez-Gosselies – Brussels), Belgium, took place on 5 October 2013. The mayor of the municipality, Mr Emmanuel Wart, presented the region and explained how the establishment of the ICI fits in the general framework of the rural development policy implemented by the local authorities and supported by the EU.
The director of the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) Mrs Agnès Marcaillou, who honoured the Institute with her presence and by accepting to be its patron, highlighted the importance of setting up a CBRNE training institute and centre of expertise in the heart of Europe, given the recent international developments and emerging threats.
Hotzone Solutions Group’s co-owner and CEO Oliviern Mattman and Hotzone Solutions Group’s co-owner, Director of Operations, and President of the ICI Dieter Rothbacher explained the principles and ideas underlying the establishment of the ICI, which is a non-profit, fully-independent entity, and outlined its structure, consisting of the CBRNE Training Centre, The Expert Knowledge Centre, and an administrative and support unit.
The Group’ management also seized the occasion to thank all consultants and the Headquarters’ staff for their professional skills and extraordinary commitment, which have allowed Hotzone Solutions Group to grow rapidly over the last four years and expand to seven countries and four continents. The Director of the ICI, Mr. Yves Dubucq, informed the local authorities and the representatives of the local community of his intention to run the ICI in line with the highest quality, safety, and eco-friendliness standards, by respecting the spirit of the local community and contributing to the enhancement of the local economy.
142 outstanding guests, including representatives from UNO,NATO, EDA, EU,EC, OPCW, ICCSS, attended the grand opening, witnessed the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the reveal of the commemorative engraving, and had the opportunity to visit the facility, which features a very functional layout and organisation, state-of-the-art audio, video, and conference equipment, as well as HZS’s top-quality CBRNE training material and simulants.
An open-day for the local population took place on 6 October, which recorded very good turnout and significant interest.