History Depot Rato

Black-and-white diagram showing how a compressor works

1911 – It All Begins with Pumps

French engineer Auguste Rateau establishes a factory beside the newly constructed Mechelen-Leuven railway line. At first, the factory focuses on the production of pumps. After the First World War, part of the factory has to be rebuilt. Rateau shifts to the production of compressors, ventilation systems and turbines for ships.

Postcard of a factory in Muizen with workers in front of it

1940–1944 – War and Destruction

During the Second World War, the German occupation forces use the factory to manufacture turbines for submarines. In 1944, the Belgian Resistance sabotage several installations. Shortly afterwards, Allied bombing causes extensive damage to the factory buildings.

Former warehouse in Muizen containing industrial equipment and workers

1945–2013 – Industrial Powerhouse of Belgium

After the war, Rateau manufactures and maintains rolling stock, turbines and pumps. The factory becomes an important cog in Belgian industry. Pump installations for the Doel and Tihange nuclear power stations are also produced here.

2014 – The Factory Closes

After more than a century of industrial activity, the Rateau site on Leuvensesteenweg closes its doors for the last time.

Inside the Muizen depot, with an orange aerial platform and building materials

2016 – From Rateau to Rato

The City of Mechelen purchases two of the former factory buildings and begins transforming them into a sustainable heritage store house. The name Depot Rato honours the site’s former owner while preserving the memory of this piece of industrial heritage. At the same time, the surrounding neighbourhood begins a new chapter, with housing and community facilities replacing the former industrial complex.

Close-up of a work of art on an external wall, showing a pair of bronze hands surrounded by curved iron bars — (c) Lavinia Wouters

2024 – Depot Rato Opens

After months of preparation and relocation, Depot Rato officially opens on 7 September 2024. Thousands of objects from 14 different locations find a new home here, ranging from paintings and sculptures to parade floats and remarkable historic artefacts. A striking artwork by the French artist duo Mountaincutters provides the visual centrepiece for the site. Seven pairs of bronze hands symbolise the many staff and volunteers whose dedication made this project possible.