Our heritage

12th generation

After 30 years of dedicated service, Mark has handed over the reins to his son Simon. It is time for the 12th generation of Mathijssens to continue building on centuries of craftsmanship and innovation.

MHB starts the delivery of its steel windows and doors to American customers due to the high demand for its exclusive and high-quality products.

Renovation of 1,000 windows for the Palais des Nations in Geneva. A historic monument where the original windows from 1923 were replaced with virtually identical, high-performing replicas by MHB.

MHB has been awarded the contract for the renovation of Bauhaus Dessau, an icon of the modernist movement. This also marks the expansion of MHB into the European market.

MHB was the first in the world to introduce thermally insulated solid steel windows and doors, guided by the principles of pure steel, strength, and durability. Unleashing a revolution in the steel window and doors industry with its bespoke SL30-ISO profile system.

Driven by a strong bond with Romania and a shortage of steelmasters in the Netherlands, MHB decides to open a second factory in Romania.

11th generation

The 11th generation of Mathijssens takes over: Mark (son of Jan) and Remko (son of Theo) are ready to implement the next steps in the development of MHB.

Jan Mathijssen, like his father before him, receives a Royal Decoration for his exceptional contributions to society and is appointed Knight in the Order of Oranje-Nassau.

10th generation

Jan and Theo Mathijssen, two of the five sons of Johan and Marie Mathijssen, are inheriting MHB from their father, Johan Mathijssen, continuing the family legacy

Johan Mathijssen receives a Royal Decoration for his exceptional contributions to society and is appointed Knight in the Order of Oranje-Nassau.

Due to the recovery of the economy after World War II and expertise in steel windows and doors, MHB is growing steadily.

MHB publishes its first marketing brochures, featuring the slim, non-insulated steel profiles for steel windows.

For the first time, electricity is connected to the MHB blacksmith workshop. This enables MHB to work with new machines and expand the workshop.

9th generation

Johan Mathijssen takes over the family business from his father, Jan Mathijssen.

8th generation

Father Jan and son Johan (on the right) stand in front of their newly built home, with the MHB blacksmith workshop attached to the house. The new construction was necessary because the family’s farm burned down in 1887.

7th generation

Gradus Mathijssen is a renowned master blacksmith. Thanks to his strong reputation, he has clients from far and wide.

6th generation

Gradus Mathijssen is a renowned master blacksmith. Thanks to his strong reputation, he has clients from far and wide.

5th generation

Traditionally, the blacksmithing trade runs in the blood of the Mathijssens. Here, Jan Mathijssen is at work by the forge, creating various steel solutions for the people in the surrounding area.

4th generation

Traditionally, the blacksmithing trade runs in the blood of the Mathijssens. Here, Jan Mathijssen is at work by the forge, creating various steel solutions for the people in the surrounding area.

3rd generation

While the first large-scale steel foundries are being built in the United Kingdom, Jan Mathijssen is busy at his anvil making steel applications, such as horseshoes.

2nd generation

In 1667, Mathijs Henricx began paving the way for MHB as a master blacksmith, as evidenced by the original deed.

1st generation

During the era of the Dutch great masters, such as Rembrandt, the long line of master blacksmiths at MHB also began.