From stairs to fencing, with the same attention to detail 

Custom metalworking without limitations

At Hazeleger in Kootwijkerbroek you know immediately where you stand. No intermediate layers or fuss: whoever calls or drops by speaks directly with the people who make the work. "We design, draw, produce and assemble everything ourselves," says Corné Hardeman, work planner and draughtsman. "Thanks to our small team, we can switch quickly and stay involved in every detail."

Hametko - full name Hazeleger Metaal Kootwijkerbroek - is a specialist in metalworking. The team of more than ten men works on a wide range of projects: from chimney caps and fencing to complex staircases. "We have no set straitjacket," Hardeman explains. "We make what's needed: steel, stainless steel, aluminum - and sometimes wood or glass, if the design calls for it." That versatility is reflected in her clientele. Hazeleger works for housing corporations, contractors, architects and private individuals. "We are versatile, but with a clear focus: everything we make must be sturdy, well thought out and well finished."

Ironclad stairs

Where the company once began with fencing and chimney caps, staircases have now become its specialty. "Stairs are technically interesting and require customization," Hardeman says. "A staircase is never just a staircase. Is it an escape route or an eye-catcher? Should it be functional or just radiate something? We ask those questions and think with you."

With each project Hazeleger looks at both function, intensity of use and appearance. "We make an emergency staircase galvanized and robust, but for a staircase in an entrance hall we pull out all the stops: wooden treads, glass balustrades, a steel core that is barely visible, ... We combine materials and make each staircase unique."

From design to assembly

What sets Hazeleger apart is the complete control of the process. Everything is done in-house: 3D drawings, production, measuring and assembly. "That prevents mistakes and makes communication clear," Hardeman explains. "We show customers the design in 3D, including the surroundings. That helps in making choices." The company also does the assembly itself. "We have our own people, resources and transportation. That makes all the difference, especially on construction sites where schedules are tight. You have to be able to deliver and build at the right time - and we manage to do that."

DC DAEL in Maasdijk

A project where the working method of Hazeleger came into its own is the distribution center of DAEL in Maasdijk. For this large-scale logistics building, the company realized eight staircases. "From industrial stairs to a representative main staircase in the office," Hardeman says. "The latter was technically quite challenging, with floating steps, glass and wood. But that is precisely what makes our work beautiful: we combine structural requirements with aesthetics."

Craftsmanship with short lines

Hardeman sums it up soberly: "We don't mass produce. What we do has to be right - technically, aesthetically and in terms of planning. We like to work on projects that are just that little bit different. Because that's when we can show what we're good at."