Rendac ('Stinkpot')

In 1934, Frans Krauch, Frans Ghijsels, and Jan Peirsman started in the former match factory 'Het vilbeluik', which was later renamed 'Animalia NV'. The company processes carcasses, fish, and slaughter waste into meat, fish, and bone meal, fish oils, and various organic fertilizers. Due to the penetrating smell that the company spreads in the area, it quickly earned the nickname 'the stinking place' from the local population.

For many years, 'Animalia NV' was an important employer in Denderleeuw. At the start of World War II, the company had 56 employees, and by 1960, it had already grown to 262 employees. At that time, 'Animalia NV' was the largest company in Denderleeuw.

Due to the growing environmental awareness and protests from local residents, 'Animalia NV' implemented a number of environmental measures around 1990, especially concerning odor nuisance and the untreated wastewater that was discharged into the Dender. (Source: heritage cell Denderland)

Toerisme Denderleeuw