News
Gouda Refractories Celebrates 125 Years of Innovation, Heritage, and Partnership
2026 marks a very special milestone for Gouda Refractories: our 125th anniversary. Since 1901, Gouda Refractories has been a trusted name in the refractory industry, delivering high-quality refractory solutions built on craftsmanship, innovation, and reliability.
Today, approximately 275 employees work across our sites in Gouda and Geldermalsen (The Netherlands). This long-standing success has been made possible through the dedication of our people, the trust of our global partners, and our continuous focus on technical innovation in refractory engineering and industrial solutions.
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Celebrating 125 Years Together
A milestone like this deserves a memorable celebration. On 29 May, we welcomed customers, partners, and valued relations to a special anniversary event in Gouda.
We were honoured to receive distinguished guests, including Pieter Verhoeve, Mayor of Gouda, and Rokuichiro Michii, Ambassador of Japan to The Netherlands. We also welcomed a delegation from our Japanese parent company Shinagawa Refra Group, who travelled from Japan to Gouda specifically to join this important occasion.
The following day, celebrations continued with an unforgettable employee event for colleagues from across Europe, including sister companies in The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Portugal, and Sweden.
Dutch–Japanese Inspiration: Dejima Theme
The anniversary theme was inspired by the historic relationship between The Netherlands and Japan, particularly the legacy of Dejima, the Dutch trading post in Japan where The Netherlands was the only Western nation allowed to conduct trade for centuries.
This unique historical connection formed the basis of an immersive celebration. Our Gouda production hall was transformed into a vibrant Japanese-inspired environment, featuring stylised Japanese streets, themed entertainment, a club atmosphere, and authentic catering. The result was a powerful fusion of Dutch and Japanese cultural influences.
Music, Culture, and Celebration
Throughout the event, live musical performances representing both Dutch and Japanese traditions enhanced the atmosphere and created a truly memorable experience for all guests.
Looking Ahead
We look back with pride on two fantastic days of celebration. As Gouda Refractories marks 125 years of history, innovation, and partnership, we remain focused on the future, continuing to develop advanced refractory solutions and strengthening long-term partnerships worldwide.
Here’s to the next chapter.
