Brick factory De Zandberg - Gendt

Brick factory De Zandberg in Gendt is one of the oldest brick factories still in operation in the Netherlands. The origins of De Zandberg date back to at least 1686, when a building or field kiln was already shown on a map at the location. In 1780, the brick kiln was put into operation by an entrepreneur named Van Ommeren. Ten years later, the kiln came into the hands of Nicolaas Arntz from Millingen, after which his son Hendrik took over the management.

In 1887, the Terwindt brothers introduced the steam engine to the factory, which significantly increased productivity and was an important step in the mechanisation of the brick industry in the region.

From April to September, workers, often entire families, worked on excavating clay and shaping bricks. Children helped out, and the work was physically demanding.

In 2021, the artwork ‘De Hinkelman’ was unveiled near the factory. This sculpture, created by artist Rineke Verhoeven, honours the workers who ate stew and porridge every day from the so-called ‘hinkelman’: two enamel pots welded together. The artwork symbolises the strength and dedication of the workers who produced the bricks.

Today, Steenfabriek De Zandberg is still in operation and produces more than a million bricks every week, including traditional red, white and black bricks that are popular in modern architecture. The factory is part of Rodruza BV and is located at Polder 8 in Gendt.