In 1924, Egidius Janssen locally known as “Giedje” founded his binder and ring mechanism factory in Tegelen. After a major fire in 1966, the company relocated to Belfeld, where it grew into a global player under the name EJA International. The factory produced binder mechanisms and complete ring binders, exporting to over 70 countries. At its peak around 1992, the company employed nearly 300 people and was known for its quality and environmentally friendly production methods.

However, with the rise of digitalization and changing market demands, EJA entered a slow decline and eventually closed its doors around 2019. The abandoned factory site in Belfeld was later sold to a developer and is currently being demolished to make way for new logistics facilities. This redevelopment has sparked local protests due to concerns over the loss of cultural heritage and landscape.

As a tribute to Egidius Janssen’s legacy, a bronze bust was unveiled near the former factory in January 2022. Although the iconic building is disappearing, Janssen’s impact on the industrial history of Belfeld lives on.