Specialist steelwork

Welding and assembly company involved in various parts Flour Factory

Welding and assembly company Van Pommeren advises, draws, produces and assembles various steel parts in the transformation of national monument De Meelfabriek in Leiden. These include staircases, parapets and balustrades.

Van Pommeren designs and realizes a variety of projects in steel. From stairs to balcony work and from stamping monumental buildings to providing complete building structures.

Main contractor Van der Wiel Bouw approached Van Pommeren about five years ago for the stair balustrades in the student houses and apartments of project De Meelfabriek. Assembly leader Sylvia van Velthoven of Van Pommeren: "Once we had installed those balustrades, more and more parts were added, such as an escape stairwell, parapets and balustrades for the parking garage and two stairwells in the newly built Singel Tower. It's kind of a compliment to our craftsmen that we kept getting asked for new parts."

Requirements for monumental heritage

Having been involved in the new construction parts of the project, the company was also called in for the renovation parts. "It is monumental heritage, so there are quite a few requirements for that. The first step was to install round railings for the stairwell in the Meelpakhuis. On the roof we placed two vertical stairs to access the roof terrace from the penthouse, in white and black." A steel "wokkel" used to transport flour was also taken from the Flour Warehouse. Van Pommeren blasted and repaired this wokkel and provided it with a new two-layer coating. This special detail was brought back to the Flour Warehouse and now stands as a showpiece in the stairwell.

'Pleasant collaboration with a lot of freedom'

What is special about the project, according to Van Velthoven, is that all parties are given the freedom to build something beautiful here. "We are very happy with the fine cooperation with the clients. The lines of communication are short and that is very pleasant. In renovation projects, the theory is often different from the practice and then it is good to be able to switch quickly about possible solutions."

Currently, the railings for the stairwells of the Silo Tower are being welded and assembled. The company is proud to collaborate on this beautiful project. "Always nice to notice that other parties see that we are strong in short lines and can make very specific and unique works with professional machines. Our craftsmen are ready with precision every day to make it happen."