De Glasfabriek Schiedam

Uncover the forgotten legacy of O-I Manufacturing Netherlands BV, also known as De Glasfabriek, Schiedam's glass giant,

October 5, 2023
a photograph taken inside an abandoned glass factory called "de glasfabriek schiedam". The photograph shows ovens or furnaces, stairs an rails all colored in red and blue

In 2017, the glass factory “O-I Manufacturing Netherlands BV” in Schiedam closed its doors. Established in 1899 by Titus de Meester as “Vereenigde Glasfabrieken NV,” the factory played a vital role in supplying bottles for the local jenever industry. Through mergers with other glass factories, it grew to become the largest Dutch glass facility beside Leerdam. From 1995 onwards, foreign companies took ownership, with the final owner, Owens-Illinois Glass Company, deciding to close the Schiedam branch in 2017 after 106 years, shifting production elsewhere.

Fast forward to early 2023, and the factory, largely stripped, stood as a testament to its rich history. The cavernous halls of the warehouses, once vibrant with activity, now echoed emptiness, briefly repurposed. Only the production area, adorned in hues of red and blue, remained untouched. The glass furnaces, conveyor belts, and machinery persisted until the end, necessitating asbestos remediation. Come September, the production area met the wrecking ball, signaling the definitive end of the glass industry in Schiedam.

Exploring the site in 2023 unveiled the remnants of a bygone era. The juxtaposition of the stripped halls and the vividly colored production zone was a poignant reminder of the industry’s evolution. Each piece of abandoned machinery whispered tales of a thriving past. Walking through the deserted corridors, it became evident that this urban exploration marked the final chapter before the impending demolition.

The closure of the O-I Manufacturing Netherlands BV factory marked the end of an era for Schiedam’s glass industry. The exploration offered a glimpse into the industrial history of the region, with the blog capturing the melancholy of an industrial giant’s demise. As the factory’s echoes fade away, the blog stands as a documentation of a once-vibrant hub now relegated to memories.

a photograph taken inside an abandoned glass factory called "de glasfabriek schiedam". The photograph shows ovens or furnaces, stairs an rails all colored in red and blue
a photograph taken inside an abandoned glass factory called "de glasfabriek schiedam". The photograph shows a factory hall with stairs and railings colored in red and blue. There is a sign hanging from the ceiling with the text "zone glasproductie; oven S 1; LET OP ! AFMELDEN BIJ DE CENTRALE WACHT"
a photograph taken inside an abandoned glass factory called "de glasfabriek schiedam". The photograph shows a transporting system for hot glass bottles. The factory is painted in red and blue coloring
a photograph taken inside an abandoned glass factory called "de glasfabriek schiedam". The photograph shows the back of glass furnaces or ovens.
a photograph taken inside an abandoned glass factory called "de glasfabriek schiedam". The photograph shows an overview of the ovens inside the glass factory, there are several machines colored in red and blue
a photograph taken inside an abandoned glass factory called "de glasfabriek schiedam". The photo shows hall with a yellow crane hanging from the ceiling, multiple catwalks colored in red and blue
a photograph taken inside an abandoned glass factory called "de glasfabriek schiedam". The photograph is taken from the ceiling and is looking down into the oven hall of the factory. The photograph shows a bridge over an oven. The factory is colored in red and blue
a photograph taken inside an abandoned glass factory called "de glasfabriek schiedam". The photograph shows a bridge over the transporting belt from a glass oven.
a photograph taken inside an abandoned glass factory called "de glasfabriek schiedam". The photograph shows a green control panel, a glass oven and several blowers used to heat the oven.
a photograph taken inside an abandoned glass factory called "de glasfabriek schiedam". The photograph is taken from the ceiling and shows a transporting system for hot glass.