The silhouette of IJlst would not be the same without the old factory chimney, on which the letters of the Nooitgedagt name can be read from top to bottom. For many decades, this was a leading factory in the design and production of ice skates, children's toys and particularly tools.
The Royal J. Nooitgedagt & Zn. factory in IJlst has gained its greatest fame for the production of wooden skates. Amusing in itself, as skates and wooden toys were actually by-products of the production line for woodworking tools. For many decades, this was a leading factory in the design and production of ice skates, children's toys and particularly tools. They were crafted with skill and dedication by the employees of what was then the largest company providing employment in IJlst. The only part of the factory remaining in the heart of the city is its chimney.
A giant chisel, which once stood in front of the factory, reminds us of the heydays. This amazing piece of art is now on the roundabout at IJlst train station. At Museum Houtstad IJlst, you can discover 150 years of product development. And still Nooitgedagt tools are renowned for their quality. Such tools therefore deserve a second life, and 'doubles' can be purchased at Museum Houtstad IJlst.
