Plaque J.F. Vlekke - Stampersgat

This plaque in front of Stampersgat church has been placed in memory of Jan Frederik Vlekke (1849). From a simple background, Vlekke managed to work his way up to become director of the Gastelsche Beetwortelsuikerfabriek (1881) and later also of the Suikerfabriek St. Antoine (1892).

He took a slightly different approach to many things than other big industrialists. For instance, farmers were given a participation contract and a share in the profits. He rewarded delivered beet with a high sugar content and ensured relatively high wages for factory workers. Vlekke also arranged facilities such as a pension fund, health fund and collective insurance for his staff. He also devoted himself to this church. Jan Frederik Vlekke proved, before his death in 1903, that corporate social responsibility paid off.

In the coming years, the church will be restored and given a social housing purpose.