|
|
The industry closed down for the most part in the latter 60ties,
when cardboard from straw couldn't compete with cheaper import and
plastic. Almost all factories have been torn down (we cannot have
untidy looking industry standing about in the Netherlands), but
this factory is totally different and quite unique in the Netherlands.
Since it closed down in 1968 close to nothing has been done with
it. Though it is ruinous in some places, it is still filled with
machinery (even more than it should I think), neat overgrown car
and truck wrecks from 1960'ties, huge rollers, big completely round
strawboiling kettles and (surprise) a steamengine. |
| 1 Feb. 2003 |
| When I walked up to the factory there were all kinds of people about,
I could already see the neighbours keeping an eye on me, so I actually did something I have never done before, I asked for permission of the people standing in front of the main gate. He told me I'd better not walk around there, as there was a high fine for trespassing, because of the "no entry, asbestos" sign. I took my chances anyway, both on the fine and the asbestos risks. |
 . |
| All doors in the factory seemed to be open or missing. Immediately behind the fence the heaps of old machinery and scrap iron are already remarkable. I did not know yet the whole factory was filled with it. |
 Turning around the first corner, a fork-lift caught under a collapsed roof. |
 The wooden roof construction has not survived the years of disuse. |
 Next room, rows of machinery under a more intact roof. |
