The first safety boot
Born in the mines.
Grew up with a mission.
The Dutch State Mines (DSM) therefore launched initiatives to help these men find suitable work. In 1918, the Fund for Social Institutions (FSI) was established. This foundation grew out of the management of shops and soup kitchens for miners during the First World War. Later, it also represented the interests of staff.
In 1927, the FSI established the Werkplaats Invalide Mijnwerkers (WIM), a specialist shoe factory. Here, sturdy, extra-supportive shoes for miners were repaired and, later, also manufactured. Shoes that could withstand harsh conditions and offered protection in a demanding working environment. In 1931, the EMMA Shoe Factory was officially established.
EMMA was a sheltered workshop, named after the EMMA State Mine. Like other state mines, it bore a name associated with the royal family. The EMMA State Mine was named after Queen Emma of Waldeck-Pyrmont (1858–1934). Following the closure of the state-owned mines between 1966 and 1974, former miners also found work at EMMA. In this way, EMMA’s social character was preserved. What began as a necessity grew into a conviction: safety must be a priority. For everyone who works.
From a sheltered workshop to an international manufacturer
EMMA remains deeply rooted in those social origins. We were founded to provide people with jobs and to make the workplace safer. We now manufacture safety footwear for a wide range of sectors both at home and abroad. Since becoming part of the international Hultafors Group, we have been making faster progress in development and innovation. Lighter designs, new technology and a modern look go hand in hand with our original mission. Our headquarters are still in Kerkrade, where more than 130 colleagues work. Worldwide, over 1,000 people work on EMMA’s products.
Safety is part of our culture
For EMMA, safety has never been a marketing term. From the very beginning, it has been a responsibility. Our shoes comply with European safety standards. But we set the bar higher. We have our shoes tested and certified by independent bodies such as TÜV and SATRA, and we also carry out extensive testing at our own test centre.
We put our shoes through their paces, sometimes pushing them to the limit. Only once a shoe has passed all the tests is it ready to be worn. For us, safety means reliability. The certainty that you can rely on your shoes, day in, day out.
Craftsmanship that lasts for generations
Our shoes are made for intensive use. This calls for care and precision. We select our materials carefully and inspect every piece of leather thoroughly. Only the best parts are used. The hand-sewing and stitching require craftsmanship.
Our shoes are stitched in multiple places to ensure they last a long time and remain comfortable. At the same time, we continue to innovate. We experiment with new materials and designs to constantly improve our products. In this way, tradition and innovation reinforce one another.
Quality, comfort and sustainability as our guiding principles
What has remained unchanged since our foundation are the principles that guide the development of our shoes. Quality, comfort and sustainability still form the basis of every pair of EMMA safety shoes. We choose materials that last, design shoes that are comfortable to wear and continue to look for ways to reduce our environmental impact. In this way, we combine craftsmanship and innovation with the responsibility we have felt since 1931 towards the people who wear our shoes.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Corporate Social Responsibility is not just a marketing ploy at EMMA. It is part of who we are. A large proportion of our colleagues at our factory are people who face barriers to the labour market. We believe in opportunities and in sustainable employment.
Our responsibility does not stop at our own organisation. Throughout the entire production chain, we ensure fair working conditions and responsible production.
Child labour is unacceptable. A safe workplace is a given. We also take responsibility when it comes to the environment. We apply high standards to waste management and work according to circular principles when developing new products.
True profit is only achieved when growth, people and sustainability are in balance.
Born in the mines.
Grew up with a mission.
What began in the mines of South Limburg grew into an international brand of safety footwear. The first pair of shoes was made out of necessity. Every pair since then has been made out of conviction.