Our story since 1898

THISSEN Biljarts is a true family business founded in 1898 and still run today by the 5th generation. The company has been passed down from father to son/sons/son-in-law no fewer than five times. Each generation has played its part in shaping Thissen into one of today’s leading billiards suppliers.

Thissen.be is more than just billiards. It is the e-commerce department of THISSEN Biljarts NV, where you can discover a wide range of products for the whole family. ​

Our specialties:

    • Expert advice and guidance when purchasing your billiard table
    • In-house production of Steelblock golf billiards
    • All repairs and restorations for every type of billiard table, carried out in our own workshop
    • Professional guidance when purchasing your cue and billiard table
    • Opportunity to try it out in our showroom in Antwerp
    • Competition and recreational table football
    • All table football parts and repairs
    • Darts corner with two test lanes
    • Short-term rental for corporate and private events
    • Long-term rental of equipment for the horeca/hospitality sector
    • Webshop and a physical experience store in Antwerp
    • After-sales service with a smile

History

History: After years of working as an independent billiard technician, Pieter Michael Thissen decided in 1898 to start his own billiard factory. He married Maria Slegers, and together they founded the company "Biljarts Thissen - Slegers," located at the corner of Kerkstraat and Carnotstraat in Borgerhout.

To set himself apart, Thissen employed a full-time sculptor to create unique, exclusive pieces out of each billiard table. Later, the company began offering complete café furnishings.

By 1930, the company had grown so successful that expansion was needed. The showroom moved to a larger location in Van Wesenbekestraat, Antwerp, where the headquarters are still located today.

The production workshops remained in Van Leentstraat, Borgerhout.

After the war years of 1940-45, a new era began. Thissen Biljarts created the new Ambassador billiard table with red Pullman cushions, a completely new design, which was later followed by the Super Ambassador, the first table to be rented out to the hospitality industry.

In the 1950s, production began on the Super Stakanit table soccer, the first to feature 'etched' glass, for which a patent was obtained. Combined with the first cork balls, this innovation allowed for unique spin and effect.

Over the years, the showroom on Van Wesenbekestraat was significantly expanded with two adjoining buildings on Van Arteveldestraat, and to mark the 100th anniversary in 1998, it reopened fully renovated.

To meet current demands, we now offer not only traditional billiard tables but also an extensive range of 'dining table billiards' - a new trend that provides the perfect solution for any interior, whether rustic or modern.

In 2007, the former workshops on Van Leentstraat were relocated to a brand-new building on Nijverheidsstraat in Wommelgem, Industrie Noord. And who knows what the future may bring?

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The Thissen team is ready for it!​


We don’t just set our (darts) sights on billiard tables and accessories - we also provide all kinds of amusement games. Most of them are available in our shop and showroom in Antwerp, where you can test and try every product. A visit is an experience in itself and will no doubt take you back to great memories from your childhood, student days, military service or holidays.

Andy Thissen

Quality and a personal connection with our customers are our main drivers - both in the private market and in the hospitality sector. We know what to expect from each other and respond perfectly to our customers’ needs. We stay “close to the ball”, with one goal: to deliver and install the right amusement quickly, efficiently and professionally - at your home, hospitality venue, care facility, school, company, sports club, and more. From on-site measuring to setting everything up, ready to play.

Maarten van Ree