Our history

BN Covermaterials is part of BN International, established in 1926 as Balatum NV. Originally, Balatum was the Dutch sales organisation of linofelt produced in Belgium. Three years later, in 1929, the company takes over De Nederlandsche Vloerzeilfabriek in Huizen, which means that Balatum can carry the ‘Nederlandsch fabricaat’ (Made in Holland) designation. When, also as a result of the economic recession in the Thirties, the demand for linoleum declines, after WW II the company switches to the manufacture of bookbinding materials and contract wallcoverings.

On 1 January 1979, the company is renamed BN International. And rightfully so, because by this time the company has gained an excellent international reputation. Over the course of the following years, the product range is extended to include residential wallcoverings. And in 1994, BN International takes over the Czech firm of Platex, meeting the demand for emery cloth and binding linens. BN International goes on to strengthen its position on the global market by taking over Tektura, a renowned British distributor. Today, the products of BN International find their way to all corners of the world, thanks to an excellent network of offices, agents and distributors.