The Muinck Keizerbrug

One of Zuilen's once major employers were once Werkspoor and Demka. This bridge is named after Demka.
In 1851, the IJzergieterij Ten Oever, Koning & Co, was founded in Hoogezand-Sappemeer in Groningen, in the Martenshoek district. In 1882 J.M. de Muinck Keizer joined as a partner. Under his leadership, cast steel was produced for the first time in the Netherlands, under the name reform iron. Many individually numbered cast iron mill shafts from windmills are still in operation in the Netherlands, originating from De Muinck Keizer from Martenshoek. In 1902, No. 100 was cast.
In 1913 the company moved to Zuilen. Here they had a connection to the Merwede canal and to the railway network. One of the largest customers, Werkspoor, was nearby. From that moment on, the official name was the Nederlandsche Staalfabrieken v/h J.M. de Muinck Keizer; abbreviated as d.M.K. or in colloquial Demka. In 1921 Demka became the name of the company. In 1919 Hoogovens acquired 50% of the shares.
After the Second World War, Demka mainly produced steel wire and steel castings. The steel wire was used in reinforcing steel, chains, bolts and nuts. The casting was used in ship parts, dredging inhibitors, wheels, turbine housings and the like. There was a great need for labour and in the early sixties large numbers of guest workers were attracted.
In 1964, the Demka was taken over by Hoogovens, after years of being mainly a family business. In 1966, as a result of the steel crisis, the company was reorganized, laying off 1150 of the 2,000 employees and closing several departments. The machinery was outdated, the steel industry in Europe had to produce less. In 1968, the foundry merged with the French company Sambre et Meuse, forming SMDK. Sambre et Meuse held 51% of the shares and Hoogovens 49%. SMDK closed in 1977. The rolling mill remained in the hands of Hoogovens, but in 1983 it was also closed, putting an end to Demka

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