De officiële onthulling vond plaats aan de Sasdijk, in aanwezigheid van burgemeester Lichtenberg en wethouder Schipper van de gemeente Altena. Mayor Lichtenberg expresses his appreciation for the initiative: “It is wonderful what Koninklijke Hakkers is doing in the context of their 150th anniversary. These seven beautiful benches in prominent locations in Werkendam are a valuable addition, and I hope residents will make frequent use of them.” Alderman Schipper also emphasizes the importance of this type of initiative for the livability of the village. “That Koninklijke Hakkers is giving shape to its long-standing bond with Werkendam in such a meaningful way deserves great appreciation.”

The locations were deliberately chosen along the river, which has formed an important connection for Hakkers for decades to project locations at home and abroad.

The Koninklijke Hakkers Groep has been based in Werkendam since 1875 and traces its origins to willow and reed work in the Biesbosch.

Out of that connection to the area, Hakkers would like to give something back to the village it has called home for generations.

Inwoners van Werkendam worden van harte uitgenodigd om plaats te nemen op de bankjes en mee te kijken over het water dat zo’n belangrijke rol speelt in het verhaal van het bedrijf. QR codes have been placed near the benches that visitors can scan. These lead to short videos in which a piece of Hakkers’ history is told and in which it is visible how the company and Werkendam have been connected for 150 years.

With this anniversary initiative, Hakkers wants not only to look back on the past, but above all to add something to the outdoor space that residents use every day.