Etablissements Verougstraete
The abandoned Etablissements Verougstraete, also known as Kaarsenfabriek Union, started in 1902. The old candle factory is one of the forgotten industrial sites in the city. Behind the worn walls and broken windows hides a story about candle production, local industry, and slow decay.
The building originally started as a gin distillery in the 19th century. In 1902, the Verougstraete family converted it into a candle factory. Under the brand name Union, the company produced stearin candles for household use and devotional candles for churches and votive purposes. Besides their famous candles, they also made floor wax and related maintenance products for linoleum and parquet floors.
Expansion
Around 1925, the factory expanded significantly with a new brick industrial building behind the main site to meet the growing demand. During the 1930s, the company became well known in the local area. For the 1935 World Exhibition in Brussels, the brothers commissioned a large and striking Art Deco display cabinet to present their candles.
After the Second World War, the manual candle casting process was modernized. The factory switched to a more efficient wheel-casting system that allowed candles to be produced on an assembly line.
The Abandonment
Like many Belgian candle factories, the company operated during a time when candles were still important for homes, churches, and decoration. But the industry slowly changed. Large automated factories and cheaper imports created strong competition. Smaller family businesses struggled to survive. Because of this, the Etablissements Verougstraete finally closed its doors in 1983.
What You See Today
Inside the abandoned factory, many rooms are dark and silent. Dust covers the floors. Old industrial details still survive in some areas. Broken glass lies everywhere, while plants grow close to the walls and entrances. Today, only the empty halls and fading walls remain to tell its story.
