Bronze from Grathem is making its way around the world
A centuries-old craft, two young entrepreneurs, and customers from Belgium to Chile. At the Custers Bronze Foundry in Grathem, tradition and innovation come together.
A bronze foundry in Grathem with customers in Chile. It doesn’t exactly sound like an obvious combination. Yet it’s everyday reality at Bronsgieterij Custers. Since last year, the family-owned business has been led by daughter Astrid Custers and her husband, Rob Korten. With nine employees, Custers is also larger than you might expect when you see the company from the outside.
This makes the new generation among the youngest bronze casters in the Netherlands. It is a unique craft that they carry on with respect for the past and an eye toward the future.
A craft that never ceases to amaze
Bronze casting is a craft that involves fire, strength, and precision. It requires experience and craftsmanship. But anyone who thinks that Custers relies solely on centuries-old techniques is mistaken. The new generation is actively exploring the possibilities of digitization. They work extensively with digital designs and are also exploring the potential of AI.
Perhaps it is precisely this combination that makes the company so interesting: a traditional craft, supported by new technology. And the results of this go far beyond the borders of Leudal.
From Grathem to Chile
Custers' clientele extends beyond the country's borders. From Grathem, bronze artworks and products find their way to Belgium, Germany, and Switzerland—and even as far as Chile. Special projects have also been completed closer to home. For example, Custers' work can be found at Toverland and Europa-Park.
It’s impressive that this very kind of craftsmanship from Grathem is making its way around the world. This has also made an impression on Alderman Michel Graef.
This is the kind of company you might drive past without knowing what goes on behind its doors. Until you step inside. Then you discover a world of craftsmanship, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
Still, entrepreneurs aren't just interested in large or high-profile projects. It is precisely the trust of their regular customers that they take pride in. They believe that the fact that customers keep coming back says a lot about the quality they strive to deliver.
“Art isn’t boring”
Anyone who sees the craft up close understands why. Bronze casting isn't the kind of work where you gently stroke a canvas with a small brush. It's physical, technical, and sometimes quite rough.
Art isn't boring. It's just hard work.
It’s a statement that perhaps sums up exactly how the younger generation views the craft. Art and craftsmanship aren’t things of the past. On the contrary, they can be surprisingly modern.
That is why Astrid and Rob believe it is important to inspire young people to take up the trade. If a new generation does not step in, knowledge and craftsmanship will eventually disappear. For Custers, investing in young people is therefore investing in the future of the craft.
Passing on a family business is more than just handing over the keys
The takeover of the company by the daughter and son-in-law is perhaps the most remarkable chapter in the story. Last year, the parents handed over the family business to the next generation. It was a moment to be proud of, but also a moment when, as an entrepreneur, you have to dare to let go.
However, the parents haven’t completely stepped away. Under the name De Kunstgaard, they lead tours of the company. Astrid and Rob, for their part, lead the bronze-casting workshops themselves, introducing visitors to the craft and the world behind the final product.
This keeps the family involved in the business and ensures that knowledge and passion are passed down in various ways. As a result, the family business gains a new future without letting go of the past.
From Grathem to the World
Custers Bronze Foundry shows that entrepreneurship sometimes lies precisely in combining things that, at first glance, don't seem to go together.
An ancient craft and AI.
A family business and a younger generation.
A company from Grathem with customers on the other side of the world.
Perhaps that is the company’s strength. Holding on to what works, while at the same time keeping an eye on what tomorrow might bring.
And that’s how bronze from Grathem makes its way around the world.
A remarkable piece of craftsmanship, right from Leudal.
Sharing experiences and learning from one another
Taking over a business from your parents isn’t something you do every day. Astrid and Rob now know better than anyone what’s involved. What were their biggest challenges? What would they do differently in hindsight? And what advice do they have for other entrepreneurs who are about to take over a business?
If you’d like to exchange ideas with Astrid and Rob about their experiences, you know where to go. Maybe a good conversation will yield just the tip or insight that another entrepreneur needs.
Working together for the future
Leudal is bursting with entrepreneurship! From global players to small and medium-sized businesses, and from startups to family-owned companies. Through these stories, entrepreneurial Leudal makes its voice heard, and together we showcase what we have to offer. This is how we’re working to create a vibrant and future-proof business climate in Leudal. Would you like to put your business in the spotlight with a company visit by Alderman Graef and other entrepreneurs? If so, please contact account manager Michiel Boers at m.boers@leudal.nl
Check out the "Entrepreneur Stories" page and LinkedIn for more local stories.