« Back to the previous page Genemuiden Around 1600 the inhabitants of Genemuiden were already making mats. For this purpose they used rushes which they took from a local river named the 'Black Water'. By the end of 1800, Genemuiden had grown to one of the most important places where mats were made. Due to the great demand there was a lack of rushes. By the end of 1900, many rushes were taken from other parts of the country. The inhabitants of Genemuiden were looking for other materials to use. Cocos was found to be a good replacement for the rushes. The demand became so great that around 1920 the first cocos mat factory opened its doors. After WOII, a demand for broadloom cocos carpet arose. The machines for producing this type were made in Genemuiden. Except for own use they were also made for the export. During this time, over 50% of the inhabitants of Genemuiden worked in the cocos industry. In 1967 the first tuft- and backing machines arrived. Due to the arrival of these machines, most cocos weaving looms disappeared in a short period of time. Belakos Carpets Belakos is a company with a long history. After its foundation in 1960 as a family business, Belakos made cocos mats for years. In the late 60s, the first tuft machine was bought and the production of tufted, broadloom carpet started. Later, more modern machines were added which made it possible to tuft carpet with a design. At the time, Belakos used a very advanced machine, this machine worked with needles that were controlled by sensors. Using this method, Belakos was able to develop and produce an enormous variety of designs. Initially, Belakos focussed on the lower and  medium part of the consumer market. In the 70s, the demand for broadloom carpet  became so great that Belakos needed to expand. In 1976, new premises were built across the street from the original premises. Again, machines were purchased and the production increased. The dealings with foreign countries were getting better. As well as to the Dutch market, deliveries were also made to, for example, Germany. In 1998, the administration and offices moved to a new building on the bank of the Black Water where they still are today. By 1999 Belakos had been through a lot of changes, among which an upgrading of the collection. In addition, there was more focus on the difference between the consumer market and the project market. In 2002 Belakos reached the number of 1500 clients in The Netherlands among which both retailers and contract users. Approximately 40% of the production goes to these clients. The remaining part goes to 31 other countries, of which the UK, Ireland, Belgium, Germany,  the Czech Republic, Turkey, Greece and the US as the most important. At present, Belakos Carpets has a clear and strong market position as well in The Netherlands as abroad. The succes, inherent to this market position, is a result of the clear market segmentation, the unique service and the dedication and commitment  of the staff and family.