A rope braiding workshop in Lede, from father to son
About us
In a somewhat hidden workshop in the Blikstraat in Lede, safety ropes have been braided since the 1970s: first by Gerard Goeman, today by his son Lieven.
- 1970s–90scommando rope passes the army tests
- 500 m²own workshop in Lede
- 16, 24 or 40spools per braiding machine
- 2 generationsGerard and Lieven Goeman
“Probably everyone who ever served in the army has hung from our ropes.”
From Gerard to Lieven
Commandotouwen Goeman was founded by technical textile engineer Gerard Goeman. From the 1970s to the 1990s, his commando rope was the only one to pass the strict tests the Belgian army carried out itself at the time. Ever since, the army has chosen ropes from Lede for death rides and abseiling.
His son Lieven Goeman first studied biochemistry and worked in that field. When the workshop moved from the former mould-making shop in the Zuster Lambertinestraat to the Blikstraat, he took the leap and took over the business. He also had his father’s ropes officially certified.
Braided in our own workshop
In our 500 m² workshop, the ropes are braided semi-artisanally, partly on machines Gerard built himself in the early years. Where most ropes are braided with twelve spools, we use 16, 24 or even 40 for extra strength and elasticity. That makes us the only ones in the Benelux who braid safety ropes today.
First the core is braided, which gives the rope its strength. Around it comes a reinforced sheath that protects the core against wear during intensive, frequent use. That is exactly why our ropes last so long.
Small, flexible and personal
As a small family business among large industrial producers, flexibility and personal contact are our greatest strengths. You speak directly to the maker of your rope, and custom work – a specific length, a sewn eye – is business as usual for us.
Besides the army, industrial rope access workers, arborists, emergency services, adventure parks and climbing gyms rely on our ropes.
From our workshop
Need a rope made to measure?
Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote!