Industrial event venue: exposed brick walls, steel structures, a story of its own
On Westkanaaldijk in Utrecht, between the railroad tracks, the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal, and the A2, there is a factory complex where that industrial look isn’t just a facade—it’s the real deal: rough walls, steel trusses, and machines that once actually operated here.
An industrial event venue works differently than an empty, neutral space. A factory hall adds an extra layer to the program: an oil drum serving as a toilet, silos filled with plants, and a vintage shower as a prop all tell a story that extends beyond just that day’s event.
Why DeFabrique?
In 1921, this site began as a factory producing linseed oil and cattle feed, and in 2001 it was given a new lease on life as an event venue in Utrecht. That transition from factory to stage remains visible in every detail: an old oil barrel serves as a restroom, silos are filled with plants, and a vintage shower serves as a decorative feature among the guests.
Raw walls and steel structures aren’t a recreated style, but the result of more than a hundred years of actual use. You can feel that the moment you walk in. The site forms a single cohesive whole: from the floors to the roof structure, everything bears the marks of a factory that was actually in operation here.
That industrial character runs through each of the four venue blocks. Our event specialists—from account managers to event producers and project managers—work with you from start to finish to figure out how your program can best utilize that industrial setting: which space works well for a plenary opening, which warehouse lends itself to an informal cocktail reception among the silos. Together, we’re making history, and on this site, that story is literally visible in the walls. Clear quotes, a dedicated point of contact, and an approach that adapts to your event’s needs make an industrial setting not just a beautiful backdrop, but also a practical choice.
]
Benefits of an Industrial Event Venue
Choosing an industrial setting means opting for character that goes beyond a fresh coat of paint.
Truly industrial: Rough walls, steel trusses, and over a century of history aren’t just decorative elements here—they’re the result of the building’s actual use as a factory.
Unexpected details: An oil drum as a toilet, silos filled with plants, and a vintage shower give every event a conversation starter that a neutral space simply can’t offer.
Robust Spaces The warehouses were designed for industry, not office work: wide doors and high ceilings make even large-scale or technical events easy to host.
Flexible Scale 21 warehouses, spread across four location blocks ranging from 903 to 1,887 square meters, can be combined as needed—from an intimate gathering to a large-scale event.
Central location Situated between the railroad, the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal, and the A2 highway, guests from all over the Netherlands can reach the venue directly, with Schiphol Airport just a short distance away.
Parking and public transportation 700 free parking spaces and the Maarssen train station a 15-minute walk away.
What makes DeFabrique unique?
Spaces Full of Character: The Copraloods, the Kalvermelkfabriek, the Perserij, and the Smederij—four building complexes, each with its own atmosphere and industrial details.
Large Capacity From 150 to 3,500 guests: you decide the scale, without losing the industrial character.
Technology that enhances the setting. We tailor the sound systems and LED lighting to the program, so that light and sound bring out the character of the rough walls and steel structures.
Our in-house event specialists —account managers, event producers, and project managers—work with you to determine how your program can best make use of the industrial setting.
Catering with Character: Local ingredients replace standard catering trays, from a lunch between sessions to a full-course dinner among the silos.
Sustainability as a counterpart to Green Key Gold certification, 334 solar panels, 99 percent LED lighting, and electric shuttle service are giving the site’s industrial past a sustainable future.
Your story starts here
An industrial setting is ideal for a wide variety of events. For example:
Conferences and meetings that call for something a little different from a standard conference center.
Company parties and anniversaries, where raw walls and steel structures add an extra dimension to the evening’s festivities.
Trade shows and product presentations, with ample floor space and a setting that complements technology and industry.
Corporate festivals and seated dinners, ranging from an informal get-together among the silos to a formal dinner.
Photo shoots and content productions, where the industrial setting itself becomes part of the visual narrative.
Combine multiple venue blocks, and your program gains the flexibility to shift between atmospheres: a plenary opening in one warehouse, an informal get-together among the silos in another—all within the same industrial setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes DeFabrique an industrial event venue?
Exposed brick walls, steel structures, and more than a century of history as a factory producing linseed oil, cattle feed, and mixed feed give the site a truly industrial character—not a recreated style.
Where exactly is DeFabrique located?
We are located on Westkanaaldijk in Utrecht, between the railroad tracks, the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal, and the A2, within walking distance of the Maarssen train station.
Are the spaces suitable for a technical or large-scale program?
Yes. The warehouses are designed for industrial use, not for office work: wide doors and high ceilings make it easy to accommodate technical or large-scale operations.
How many guests can the venue accommodate?
The four venue blocks combined can accommodate between 150 and 3,500 guests, depending on which combination you choose.
Is there enough parking?
There are 700 free parking spaces on the premises, along with 14 charging stations for electric cars and parking assistance.
Is DeFabrique a sustainable choice, despite its industrial past?
Yes. We hold the Green Key Gold certification and use solar panels, LED lighting, and electric vehicles.
Get in touch with our team
Do you have questions regarding our venue or the options for your event? We’re here to brainstorm with you and create a high-impact experience that perfectly matches your goals.
.jpg)