
Interview with Charles Colle, CEO of Decran, member of EMI Group
1. Decran has a long-standing history as a family business. Could you share some insights into its journey and the pivotal moments that shaped its development over the years?
Decran was founded in 1996 by Lode Decraene as a family company, with his son and wife also actively involved in its growth. Over the years, the business evolved significantly, and a turning point was marked in 2017 when Decran decided to focus exclusively on steel doors and establish its own production facility in Slovakia. This move proved transformative, allowing us to streamline production, reduce costs, and boost profitability. Initially, we were also producing sliding gates and sectional doors, but this pivot enabled us to focus on what we do best.

2. What motivated Decran to join EMI Group, and what were the key factors in this decision?
In 2021, the founder of the business, Mr. Decraene, who was then 58, faced a dilemma. He didn’t have a successor to takeover the familiy business and the production capacity had reached its limit, limiting further growth. Around the same time, EMI came into the picture and presented an opportunity to ensure continuity for the business—both for our employees and clients—while also maintaining the company’s culture and vision. The promise of continuity and professionalization was key, and we’ve been able to continue running the company with a strong support system behind us. As proof, the founder of Decran is still involed in the business and kept a managerial role within the team.
3. How has Decran changed since becoming part of EMI Group?
Interestingly, not much has changed operationally. We’ve strengthened our sales team, invested in IT development, and improved our virtualization processes, putting us ahead of the curve. EMI’s support also enables us to plan for future growth, one important step being the relocation of our Slovakian production facility in 2025 in order to increase capacity and enhance efficiency. These changes have ensured that we can grow while maintaining the same core values and operational excellence that our clients and employees trust.
4. What advantages has Decran gained from being part of EMI Group, particularly in terms of collaboration and growth?
The biggest synergies have been commercial. By collaborating with other EMI companies like Access Systems, we’ve been able to offer a complete range of products and win significant projects together, like the ones for MG Big Bear or Leonidas, just to mention two of the most visible clients we worked for together. Recently, we started working on another Belgian project where EMI Romania is also installing solutions. We worked closely with Adrian Moisa, Emi Romania’s CEO, and found quickly the best approach.
EMI Group also provides a valuable network of like-minded professionals. It’s reassuring to have access to people with expertise and shared experiences—you can consult with them, discuss challenges, and find new ways to grow the business. Being part of something bigger, even if it’s not visible day-to-day, brings a sense of stability and purpose.
Additionally, EMI challenges us to think differently. It’s nice to have smarter people to discuss ideas with—people who truly know the market and can push you to reflect and improve. You should never stop learning, and being part of this network ensures that we always have opportunities to grow and refine how we do business, while still maintaining our independence and freedom to choose the best path for Decran.

5. What advice would you give to other business owners considering joining EMI Group?
Change can feel daunting, especially for those who value control, but EMI is not about altering what works—it’s about enhancing it. After three years, Mr. Decraene remains with us and is happy with the decision of this partnership with EMI Group. Being part of EMI offers each partner company a unique balance: independence to operate as you see fit while having access to a network of experts to consult with and grow alongside. It gives you confidence to know you’re part of something bigger and have the tools to learn and improve continuously.