How STRIZO began: two names, one vision

The birth of STRIZO

STRIZO was founded in the 1960s, around 1966, as a collaboration between two pioneers: Jo van Strien and Albert Zoontjes. The name STRIZO is a contraction of their surnames: STRIen and ZOontjes.

At the time, Jo van Strien was working as a salesman of concrete chemicals. From his knowledge and network, the idea arose to start his own business. So he started his own company, in which, together with Albert Zoontjes, he laid the foundations for what would later become STRIZO.

Initially, they focused on decorative plasters, a new product in the finishing market. Not long after, a new application developed: the decorative gravel floor - a revolutionary idea at the time.

Jo van Strien assumed the role of director and manager in the early years. Around 1970, he decided to leave the company, leaving STRIZO entirely in the hands of Zoontjes Beton.

The breakthrough: gravel floors

A major turning point came in 1974, when Nico Zoontjes got in touch with Mercedes Netherlands. They were looking for a floor that looked like gravel, but was solid and durable. In collaboration with STRIZO, a floor was developed that met these exact requirements - the first stone carpet floor was born.

The floor was installed in a showroom in The Hague, literally "on long legs". At the grand opening, the floor was a real eye-catcher. Many Mercedes dealers and owners were immediately enthusiastic about the look and quality. This led to rapid growth in awareness of STRIZO and the popularity of stone carpet floors.

From then on, STRIZO stone carpet flooring became a phenomenon, not only at car dealerships, but also at private homeowners and businesses.