You can make it in Rotterdam!

These are pioneers with a passion for their city and a keen eye for entrepreneurship. Rotterdam is their home port. Operating from this central hub, they have the world at their feet. From 3D printing to books printed on paper made from tomato fibres, we have countless examples. Entrepreneurs who manufacture their products in their own city, close to the consumer and often at a small scale. And with huge success!

‘In Rotterdam, you’re allowed to take risks’

Rotterdam facilitates and invests. “The empty factories and the vast available sites in the port. Rotterdam has space for production within the city limits, literally and figuratively,” says Dr. Erwin van Tuijl, researcher and co-author of Manufacturing in the New Urban Economy. “The culture, atmosphere, and mentality are perfectly suited to urban manufacturing. In Rotterdam you are allowed to dare. In Rotterdam you are allowed to do.”

Areas such as M4H and RDM Rotterdam provide pioneers with a physical space, the right conditions, and practical support to test, implement, and refine ideas, and to manufacture products. This is where bold ideas become valuable innovations.

Proud

The city has increasing appeal for entrepreneurs with national or international ambitions. Moreover, the maker industry enchants the residents. Van Tuijl: “You can see that residents from Rotterdam are regaining their pride in everything about Rotterdam. It is with good reason that Rotterdam products are bought up so eagerly. That pride is what Rotterdam residents radiate and want to share with the rest of the world.” Our city is finding its way into more and more hearts and minds, and pioneers increasingly find high-potential opportunities here: Rotterdam is the place to make it!