Last month, the restored Carpet Museum in Genemuiden officially reopened its doors. The museum, run entirely by volunteers, showcases how the carpet industry has been inseparably linked to the city for centuries. Visitors can discover how craftsmanship, innovation, and design come together in the world of carpet. From age-old traditions to modern production: this is the story of a truly unique industry.
The floor covering industry in Genemuiden dates back to the 16th century, when the first rush mats were made. Over time, coconut and sisal mats followed, initially crafted by hand and, from 1924 onwards, produced by machine in factories. Later, the range expanded to include woven wool and nylon carpet.
The opening of the museum coincides with a special milestone for Belakos: 65 years of craftsmanship and dedication to flooring. Even more special is that this anniversary takes place in the same year that Genemuiden celebrates its 750th anniversary, a history in which the carpet industry and the city have been intertwined for centuries.
From coconut to LVT
What began in 1960 with coconut mats under the leadership of founder Dirk Beens has, over more than six decades, grown into a leading name in the flooring sector. The company name Belakos, a combination of the family name and product, symbolizes what the company stands for: bringing people together through a shared passion for flooring.
Dirk Beens’ sons, Gerrit, Siem, and Tiem, each took on their role within the family business, from office and production to shipping. Later, sons-in-law Aalt and Wout joined the company, helping to make the Belakos name known beyond the Dutch borders. The product range evolved with the times: from wall-to-wall carpet to artificial grass and, eventually, LVT, which has become an important cornerstone of the collection.
A family business with a global vision
From its beginnings in 1960 on Industriestraat in Genemuiden, through locations on Puttenstraat and Sasdijk, to its current site on De Blokmat, Belakos has grown into a trusted name with more than 800 points of sale in the Netherlands and abroad.
With the new generation - Leon Bobeldijk (CEO), Dirk-Jan Beens (CFO), and Dirk Kolk (CCO) - the family legacy continues. Although production now partly takes place internationally, the strength of Belakos remains rooted in the down-to-earth, personal approach of a close-knit family business.
Celebrating together
That the 65th anniversary of Belakos coincides with Genemuiden’s 750th anniversary makes this year particularly special. It highlights the strong connection between the city and the carpet industry, where tradition and innovation continue to go hand in hand.
