On a sunny Wednesday afternoon, we sat down with Didier and Christian, two brothers leading the last remaining sock manufacturer in Belgium. They proudly shared the factory's history and passionately discussed the various machines they use.
Interview and images by Chiara Verschueren
On your website, it says ‘specialized in stockings and socks’. Could you clarify the difference between a stocking and a sock?
That’s a good opener, as most people do indeed mix up these terms. Let us clarify: A stocking reaches just below the knee, while a sock comes up just above the ankle. In French, the difference is easier—‘mi-bas’ for a stocking that reaches below the knee and ‘chaussette’ for a sock.
Got it. Now, what are your roles within the factory?
Didier: Christian mainly handles the technical side, while I take care of purchasing, sales, and customer management. However, our roles do overlap at times.
Christian: Before Didier joined the company, I primarily handled purchasing and sales. Afterward, I focused on the technical side. I'm slightly stronger technically, while Didier is better with numbers. We complement each other well.
Can you tell us more about the factory's history?
With pleasure. It all started with our great-grandmother, who had a flat knitting machine near the main square in Ename. They were farmers, and during the winter months, when there was little work in the fields, they knitted hats. Her son, our grandfather, bought this building in the 1960s. He then started the factory and gradually expanded it. Our father added an extra department in the 1980s.
Have you seen the factory change over the years?
Yes. It has become much smaller, both in terms of production and workforce. We used to have about fifty employees and made everything from baby socks to football stockings. When we took over, we sought a niche and began specializing in functional clothing. We've also seen investments in new machines because each type of stocking requires a different machine, each with its own specialty.
Employees used to specialize in one specific thing. Now, everyone is expected to jump in wherever needed.
— Didier Beernaert
Where does your interest in socks come from?
Our interest developed because we grew up with them. The production process is fascinating and complex, much like a watch. We also had the opportunity to learn all the techniques from a young age. Taking over the factory was a logical next step for us.
Do you have children interested in taking over the factory?
Yes, but we don't have a crystal ball, and we don't want to push them. It's hard even for us to predict the coming years. In that sense, the factory's future is uncertain... But we couldn't imagine life without it!
"It feels strange when there's silence in the factory. For example, on Sunday evening before the workweek starts. I prefer the noise."
— Christian Beernaert
What three words would you use to describe the factory?
Quality, customer-oriented, and sustainable. Sustainability is especially important to us.
What does sustainability mean to you?
Sustainability starts with the raw material. We don’t skimp on that. Our yarn sometimes costs up to twenty or thirty euros per kilo, while in China, it might only cost two euros. We always work with combed wool/cotton and try to differentiate ourselves by focusing on the quality of our products.
That quality is something to be proud of. What are you most proud of?
We're proud that we're still here. Our factory used to be one of the smaller ones in Belgium, and we were somewhat looked down upon. Yet, we are the only factory that has survived. We're also proud of our good reputation with the public sector, such as the army and federal police. We've been making socks and stockings for them for fifteen years.
Why do you think you've survived compared to the larger factories?
Because this is a family business. You don't easily sell something that’s close to your heart. And probably also because we operate on a smaller scale. We also have a wide variety of machines. Larger factories had many machines, but they all had the same specifications. When the market changes, those machines become useless. We're prepared for that because we have a very diverse 'machine park.'
What are your favorite days in your 'machine park'?
The days when there are no complaints and no technical issues. But those problems are part of working with machines.
What’s the best part of your job?
The variety. And the fact that we can contribute to the industry in Belgium. We are the last of the Mohicans in our sector, and we are incredibly proud of that.
