How it all started…
The demise of the VOC at the end of the 17th century also heralded a new era, that of the industrial revolution. Paul van Vlissingen saw the possibilities offered by the steam era and in 1827 established a "factory for steam and other tools" at Oostenburg, which was renamed Werkspoor two years later.
Werkspoor
The history of Werkspoor is even more impressive than that of the VOC. Holland was a global player in the field of railroad equipment, both rolling stock and constructional infrastructure such as railroad bridges. The diesel engines developed by Werkspoor found their way to every corner of the world and during the test run everything and everyone shook along at Oostenburg
Trans Europe Express
Werkspoor has created many famous trains, such as the TEE (Trans Europe Express), the Hondekop train, many trams and Metro Couples. A mega order from the Argentinian railways in the fifties of the last century took such a hold on the production capacity of the factory as no other orders could be accepted in own production. These were therefore outsourced to third parties and indirectly marked the beginning of the end.
United Machine Stork Works Stork
In the 1960s, sales became more and more difficult, partly due to the lack of government support, where it was given to competition abroad and seriously undermined the competitive position of Werkspoor.
In 1972, the last NS 820 train set was rolled out of the workshop at Oostenburg. Werkspoor was merged with Stork for years and will live under the name of "United Machine Stork Works Stork".
Gebouw Oostenburg
Gebouw Oostenburg has functioned for nearly a century as Stork’s headquarters, which housed not only the management, but also various laboratories and many research departments. The building has been renovated several times internally, making the current status an impressive labyrinth with beautiful stairs, gates and a grande hall.