The Nederlandsche Cacaofabriek is a cultural center in the Dutch city of Helmond, which has existed in this form since March 2014. The original factory produced cocoa powder and chocolate products from 1894 to 1932.
History:
NV Nederlandsche Cacaofabriek was founded in Helmond in 1894 by a number of prominent businessmen from Helmond of Protestant signature. A factory was built on the Kanaaldijk Zuid-Oost, designed by the Helmond architect J.W. van der Putten. Production started in 1895, with 15 employees. Technical director was E. H. Malsch. He was the son of a German red-dyeing boss who worked in Helmond. Malsch learned the cocoa trade from, among others, Van Houten, based in Weesp.
Under the brand name "Helm cocoa" only cocoa powder was made for hot chocolate in the first years, but from about 1900 also "Helm chocolate" chocolate, bonbons (pralines) etc.
The factory developed, and by 1905 it already employed 100 people. In 1904 the company acquired the designation "royal".
In 1908 the factory was taken over by the English company Turner. It continued to deliver successful products. In 1922 the company was given a new name: N.V. Helm Cacao and Chocolate factories. Despite its success, the factory was liquidated in April 1932: Turner started to concentrate production in England and 250 workers were put on the street. Export restrictions were put forward as the reason.
After the remaining stocks were processed, which happened in November 1932, the activity came to an end. The entire factory was at a standstill for several years. The building and machines were not sold until 1936.