Zinkfabriek, Industrial complex in Budel, Netherlands
Zinkfabriek is an industrial complex in Budel spanning a large area with multiple production halls, processing facilities, and specialized equipment for metal extraction. The plant remains a major feature of the local landscape and infrastructure today.
The founding of this zinc factory in 1892 transformed rural Budel into an industrial center and marked the first zinc production site in the Netherlands. This industrial establishment shaped the region's development for over a century.
The facility created a company town called Dorplein with streets and houses built in Walloon architectural style to house workers. The architecture of this settlement still reflects the close relationship between the factory and its surroundings.
Access to the facility is restricted as it is an active industrial site with ongoing production. Visitors should check in advance whether tours or guided visits are available.
The facility switched from thermal to electrolytic production methods for zinc processing in 1973, significantly increasing manufacturing efficiency. This technological shift was a major step in the plant's modernization.
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