With great interest, the colossus is lifted with a crane. The audience that stands behind a sales tape belongs so -called corten steel grinding under the weight. Some even brought beach chairs to view the spectacle.
It does not take long before the chimney is lifted to the base and is put on the excellent bolts. A good layer of kit is lubricated between the base and the steel.
The bolts are turned on the screws with drills and water pumps. After a few hours the chimney is loose and the operator can disconnect his tap.
Huizers in the Bres
A group of Huizers, including former employee of BNI Heim Hagedoorn, owner of the HorecaZak Peter Kos and PvdA councilor Margot Leeuwin, saw the possible disappearance of the chimney with sorrow. They jumped in the breach and bought the chimney.
“I think I’m very happy when I come and cycle on the path every morning,” says Kos proudly. The chimney is right next to his business. That is no coincidence. The power used to be generated in the building for the factory.
Iconic employer
In November of 2023, the Wero declared bankrupt. Also one restart turned out not to be possible. With that, the last piece of manufacturing industry disappeared from the former fishing village of Huizen.
BNI was once a vibrant company, specialized in wallpaper and other wall coverings. Older Gooiers can still know the company under the names Balatum or Balamundi. The company existed since 1925 and has forgotten generations.
The Last employees soon said goodbye of the company. There are also some Historical objects transferred on the Huizer Museum. The last rolls of wallpaper are in stock for considerable sales discounts done. Most buildings on the site are expired or have since been demolished.
The chimney is now a permanent reminder of which once stood the vibrant company.