Industrial Heritage Walk

Textiles and metalwork were the main pillars of this industrialization. Well into the previous century, these two industries remained prominent in the city center. Today, most industrial activity, such as the rapidly growing automotive industry, is located on industrial estates at the outskirts of the city. However, the factories of Vlisco, Nedschroef, and J.A. Raymakers & Co are still situated at their original locations along the Zuid-Willemsvaart. Together with other industrial monuments, they make the center of Helmond, especially the canal zone, a rich source of industrial heritage.

Helmond already had a textile industry in the Middle Ages, with a guild specializing in the production of woolen fabrics. During the 17th century, domestic weaving developed further due to commissions from merchants in Haarlem. However, at the end of the 18th century, these commissions declined due to the loss of the West Indian market. As a result, some local entrepreneurs, such as Johannes Raymakers, started their own businesses.