H. Been started his company in used metals at the Vijfhuizerdijk in Vijfhuizen. Been & Zn is a household name in Vijfhuizen, Haarlem and the surrounding area.

Various companies have been active on the site, all of which have used a shed dating from 1937. After several major thefts occurred at the company in the first years, Mr. Been, on the advice and with the cooperation of the then dike warden of de Haarlemmerpolder placed a caravan on the company and took up residence there. In this way, the properties could be better guarded. His house in Haarlem was given up for this, due to lack of space with two children, a second caravan was later bought.

In 1975, the company was granted a Nuisance Act permit by the municipality of Haarlemmermeer.