In 1916, some farmers from Strijp saw the opportunity to establish the ‘Cooperative Milk Establishment St. Joseph’ on this site. An existing farm was taken over and completely transformed into a modern milking facility, with an impressive daily production of 1500 litres of milk. In order to grow further, a factory was opened on the Paradijslaan, where the production of cheese started. This initiative proved to be a great success, prompting several other dairies to join the company.
In the 1950s, the company embarked on a modernization process that eventually led to the establishment of Campina. In 1961, the new factory, which became known as Campina, was completed after four years of construction. At that time, it was the largest and most advanced milking facility in the Netherlands. In 2015, the last drop of milk was put in the bottle here, and in 2017 the site was taken over by an area developer with new plans.
De Caai is now a lively mix of living, working and innovation. With around 700 new homes and sustainable urban development along the canal zone, this area is a bustling hub for creativity and well-being. The historic factories have been transformed into modern spaces that preserve the rich history of the site, while serving as centers for innovative businesses and cultural initiatives. The Caai is a symbol of the dynamic future of Eindhoven, where tradition and progress go hand in hand.
Would you like to get to know this location on an E-Fatbike? Then book this urban bike for a day and discover this beautiful area independently.
