Do you know the brand name Etna? It was once a major brand of stoves and hotplates. Many people are unaware that Etna began in Breda, in 1856, at Cornelis Klep’s workshop on Haagdijk. Later the company moved to Tramsingel, where it was ideally situated for various modes of transport.
In the 20th century the company eventually proved incapable of withstanding foreign competition. But products with the Etna brand name are still sold, including extractor hoods, hobs, microwaves, dishwashers, refrigerators and freezers. They are now produced in Duiven. The only vestiges of Etna in Breda are the street names Etnastraat and Smederijstraat (‘Smithy Street’).
’t Raedthuis Amsterdam, Etna advertising sign, 1930-1940, enamel on metal, on loan from Breda council