So it comes as no surprise that several factories would be located in Ruisbroek, the place where a canal converged with a railway line. The ReyAiné textile mill in Ruisbroek was for a long time the municipality’s economic powerhouse. The owner had a school built and houses for the workers. He was particularly keen to ensure his employees were closely involved with their own parish centre. Apart from being a caring person and having an acute sense of moral responsibility, he, in common with other religious-minded employers, was anxious to steer his workers clear of the temptations of bar rooms, where they might end up becoming slaves to the demon drink. Or even worse: they might be swayed by Socialist or Marxist agitators, and hear people talking about claiming better working conditions or higher wages.