History
The story Berkemann has very unspectacular beginnings in Hamburg on 8th July 1885. It was on this day that the shoemaker Heinrich Ad. Berkemann receives a trademark registration form from the police authorities. Initially, the native of Hamburg mainly manufactures bespoke boots/shoes of the special quality in his small shop, where these are primarily handmade. His son, Walter, is born in 1898 – he later takes on his role as the first apprentice and the first in the line of many who trained and expanded the Berkemann Company.
Berkemann was innovative right from his initial years itself: During the shoemakers’ special exhibition in Hamburg, the firm introduces a groundbreaking idea to the public for the first time. The first mass produce of orthopedic insoles that stirs a furor. Berkemann is thus the first supplier of supportive foot rests in the world. Heinrich AD. Produces the first pair of “foot rests” for a child, who, after a short period of wearing them, is able to run and walk around without any pain, thanks to these special insoles.
The successful firm however, like many of its other contemporaries in Europe at that time, is forced to face the consequences of the circumstances of that period. 1400 to 1600 shoe manufacturing businesses in Germany are forced to cease operations and are affected during the First World War. The firm of Berkemann manufactures military boots with the help of the few employees that remained. The 66 year old Heinrich Ad. Berkemann suffers from cerebral apoplexy and succumbs to this on 3rd October 1923; shortly post the end of inflation. His 25 and 22 year old sons, Walter and Hans take over the management of the firm post his death and are successful in bringing the family-run business forward through step-wise rationalization and modernization. With subsequent success after a few years, the production facilities have become too small. In 1933, the brothers acquire a seven storied office building in central business area of Hamburg.
It is around this time that a small in-house print shop also begins its operations. The Berkemann firm can now produce their own advertising material and packaging. The informative periodical publication for the large clientele, the “Berkemann Brücke”’ enjoyed vast popularity and acquired a cult status with the passage of time.
In the year 1939, a new procedure to manufacture cork insert discs is introduced. Cork pieces are pressed together with binding material and heat and various forms of inset discs/insoles are created from this – they continue to be an important component of foot Orthopedics till date. The so-called “Wiesner-sandals” is developed in the same year by the Viennese PT Teacher Wiesner; these are beneficial for the training of the foot’s muscular system through grasping movement, however it does not cater to supporting the foot bed. It is due to this reason, that the famous Foot gymnastic sandals with foot bed are introduced later on.
After a period of commercial boom, the Berkemann firm loses its grip on foreign markets due to the effects of war. In addition to this, the shortage of raw materials and paucity of labor lead to a cut-back in the production of shoes and insoles.
But like their father, Walter and Hans do not give up. Post the war, Hans Berkemann together with his wife, used his diplomatic skills and his excellent linguistic prowess to gradually succeed in reducing the resentment against the Germans. His efforts thus enable the firm to open up to the new markets or those markets that had been lost due to the war.
Then something happened, something that had a lasting influence on the Berkemann story till date: From 1950 to 1955, Prof. Dr. Wilhelm Thomsen uses his knowledge to develop the foot gymnastic sandals and market penetration begins. The most outstanding feature of these gymnastic sandals/Gym sandals is the toe grip, which in combination with a small toe belt/strap serves as support for the foot’s muscular system while walking and grasping movement. The gym sandals have their origins in the idea to develop a training device for children, in order to prevent them from using insoles/inserts as adults. The sandals cater to appropriate support of the foot sole, as well as providing support to the muscular structure, which in turn determines the stability of the skeleton. Many parents not only want the very best for their children’s’ feet, infact they wish for the same for their own feet as well and thus steadily increase the demand for the “original sandals”. It is this product that makes the firm world famous in the 1960s. “Clacking” prevails all over the world. The “Clackers”, as the wooden sandals were referred to, was infact worn by the German rowing team during the Olympic Games of 1964. The gym sandal-foot bed continues to be a model for the original Berkemann 5-Phase foot bed till date, which in turn is a part of all Berkemann shoes.
In 1955, the material “Plexidur” enters into the field of Foot Orthopedics; Berkemann becomes the first producer. Additionally, the structure of a new production chain is initialized: the Foot bed support program, whose scope is expanded further at a later stage to include a series of bandages for the foot and leg and the Brachial (Arm) joints as well.
The expansion continues: Thanks to the original sandals. Berkemann’s yearly turnover increases at the rate of upto 50 percent. This leads to the expansion of the production facilities in Hamburg- Lokstedt in 1957 and 1967. A large number of Orthopedics, General Practitioners and pediatricians recommend the gymnastic sandals to their patients on account of the sandal’s curative value and effects on healthy feet. Besides, during the 1970s, Berkemann set a growing trend with fashionable clogs, which the firm had already introduced to the markets in the 1960s and its success is represented in the manufacturing of more than a million pairs of shoes and sandals per year. Berkemann introduces the Toeffler in 1964, which turns out to be a huge market success. It continues to be one of the most popular models of Berkemann shoes till date. In 1970, Berkemann buys a shoe factory Steinalben/Palatinate in order to meet the demand of the diverse range of models. One of them has remained the same through the many years of change: the tried and tested model of the original Berkemann 5-phase foot bed. Whether it is to do with wooden shoes or leather slip-ons /slippers, toeffler or low shoes – Berkemann never compromises on the health aspects in the design of all its models.
1970 as a year brings about changes in the name under which trading took place for the firm of Berkemann: The transition from a partnership to a public limited company with limited commercial partnership, since 1979 with the addition of “GmbH & Co.” (Public ltd.). On account of the success of the original sandals and the toeffler, production facilities are established in Austria, Hungary and Latin America. However, the markets change and commercially it becomes more and more difficult for Berkemann to cope with this scenario. Other manufacturers have also discovered health shoes as a part of their product line and become serious competitors in the business. Furthermore, the trend changes – wooden shoes or clogs are not “in” anymore. In the following years, Berkemann incorporates various attempts to revive their former successful state. However, as the management tries to pursue each trend without a pre-thought, well planned strategy, no other model can deliver them success even to the extent of brand awareness and popularity as compared to that of the original sandals. Added to which, familial strife comes to light, it becomes evident that Berkemann cannot be sustained in this manner: The Berkemann family decides to sell off the company of great tradition.
In the year 1994, the Bauerfeind Group – a leading manufacturer of bandages and therapeutic aids acquires the company, which in the meantime has been financially struck. Shortly thereafter, it buys out the orthopedic concern Globus and merges the Berkemann group of orthopedic aids and the youngest acquisition of the group. The products are initially manufactured under the name of Globus-Berkemann in Remscheid; today this is known in the context of a business division of Bauerfeind Foot Orthopedics. This merger is also of strategic significance within the scope of shoes and shoe manufacturing, as now the focus is entirely on shoes.
One year later, Berkemann acquires its own workshop in Hungary, so that even better quality control of the Berkemann-models can be guaranteed. Herewith, Berkemann displays it’s commitment to European quality and demonstrates a different course of action in comparison to the steps undertaken by many other competitors, who simultaneously turned their backs on Europe and started production operations in Asian developing countries.
Come 1999 and the firm shifts it’s headquarters in the Palatinate to Schwanheim, close to Hauenstein and Primase, the traditional “Shoe centers” of Germany. The logistical center there is constantly equipped with stocks amounting to approximately 100,000 shoes, which are available to meet each demand of the Berkemann customers at any given point of time, and saves them costly warehousing.
The new trade name of Berkemann is now Bauerfeind Shoe Division GmbH & Co. KG. The firm consolidates diverse shoe brands under the one single roof of this corporate flagship. The aim of the Bauerfeind Shoe Division is to implement and convert the existing orthopedic and medicinal expert knowledge into comfortable, as well as fashionable shoes. The result that crystallizes out of this endeavor is that after a few years, the traditional brand of Berkemann and their (health-) potential becomes the primary significant driving factor of all brands, due to which the firm can differentiate itself from the other brands.
The beginning of the new century sees Berkemann restarting their own line of clogs’ production in Hungary. Thomas Bauerfeind, the great grandson of the founder of Bauerfeind AG and the plant manager since 1995 for Berkemann Production in Hungary, took over the management of Berkemann in January 2002.
In 2001 Berkemann creates the new sporty-comfortable range called “Sydney” under the management Designer Adeline Lengkeek, who has been freelancing with Berkemann since 1998. It’s distinguishing factor is a light and functional sole. The anatomically shaped Original Berkemann 5-phase foot bed and the foam padding, provide the wearer with the feeling of “a walk in the clouds.” Inbuilt inlay details distress the joins and the spinal chord during footfall, the elastic fittings adjust to various instep heights.
In the year 2003, the famous VIVA anchor Milka Loff Fernandez poses in fashionable Berkemann clogs as a part if promotion for the firm. Even the attractive and popular actress Christine Neubauer is signed on as a brand ambassadress. She wears shoes from the “Sydney” range for Berkemann, which in the interim period has developed varying fashionable designs that have proved to be bestsellers as far as Berkemann shoes is concerned.
Berkemann does not rest on past laurels – infact it even ventures into other domains: A new chapter begins for the cult shoe of Berkemann, the original sandals in March 2004. Progresses in the last few years have meant that the gym sandals can now be improved with new materials and can be suited to meet the demands of the fashion of the spirit of times of the 21st century. New findings with respect to foot pressure and associated measurements (MediLogic foot pressure measurement) help in the adjustment of new sole forms to meet the needs of the foot problems of today, which for e.g. crop due to the frequent wearing of gym shoes or trainers. The wellness sandals with light wood, new foot straps and additional padding are introduced in the market in March 2004 under the brand name of “Berkilette”. Vast popularity of the “Berkilette” range is evident in the summer itself. During the official apparel distribution for the German Olympic team in the Kurmains-dormitory in Mainz, the majority of sportsmen decide to use this model. Hardly a wonder considering the fact that it can be worn in Sauna and in the swimming pool without any problem thanks to it quick-dry, waterproof and replaceable straps.
For the first time in the history of Berkemann, from July 2004 onwards, the firm is offering washable leather shoes. The leather of the “Berkemann washable” range is treated with an innovative process, so that the models, which belong to the “Sydney” range, can be washed in the washing machine or by hand at a temperature of 30 degrees.
Another line is the ”Berkemann exclusive“, which is being exhibited as display for the experts and public in September at the shoe fair GDS in Düsseldorf. A novelty: For the first time in the history of the firm, Berkemann offers highly fashionable shoes for boutiques. The “Berkemann exclusive” range has evolved from the idea that deals with the combining of young, fashion-oriented shoe collection with the trendy wooden sole.
Additionally, a few choice shoe models are accessorized with a matching bag - as is the case with the Gallantry range. These accessories facilitate appropriate matching of outfit by the wearer. Shoes and bags, excluding the expensive Gallantry range, are placed in the mid-price segment. Therefore, Berkemann primarily appeals to a young and comfort-seeking target audience.
Berkemann’s Chief Executive, Thomas Bauerfeind is appointed the board director of Bauerfeind AG towards the end of 2004 and in his functional capacity of this role, he is especially responsible for the range of Berkemann shoes and Bauerfeind Compression stockings. Bojan Rezonja, who has been the Technical director at Berkemann since 2000, takes on the role of Divisional Manager in January 2005. At the same time, preparations pertaining to shifting to Zeulenroda are also on the way. The new location offers a newly built logistics center, which guarantees better and more efficient shoe dispatch. Furthermore, the Berkemann employees can concentrate on the main focus area of Development, Marketing and Customer Service, as divisions like Finance & Accounts and even Logistics have been brought under the sphere of responsibility of Bauerfeind AG. In Zeulenroda, the company headquarters of the Bauerfeind group, Berkemann will shift into the 5th floor of the newly built, twelve storeyed Bauerfeind tower towards the beginning of 2005 and this marks a new chapter in the history of the firm of Berkemann. Moving forward, the definitive objective of the “Berkemanns” continues to be the gaining and consolidation of trust and confidence in proven products, newer market penetration and offering of new products – subsequently to establish one of the German traditional brands through the 21st century.
And this has been a successful endeavor, for example with the new line “Berkemann stretchline”, wherein the leather has been replaced with stretch material in areas of particularly stressed foot zones. Areas that are exposed to extreme pressure are this distressed to render comfort and walking becomes a pure matter of pleasure. There is very minimal visible difference between the stretch material and smooth leather; it stretches and is flexible such that it adjusts to the contours and shape of the foot. Other specialties of the material are it’s antibacterial and anti-transpiration properties. The weight of the shoe has been greatly reduced through special manufacturing techniques and combination with light materials. All these specialties make the “Berkemann stretchline” an instant success when introduced in the spring of 2006.
At the same time, the successful, washable line “Berkemann washable” has been extended to include six new models – mostly made form nubuck leather and in light colors. There are however even more innovations: The group “Sydney” is enhanced with “another generation.” The consequent versions of the group are called “Brisbane” and are distinguished by a sporty-classic design and a new sole. In comparison to soles made from PU materials, a foam and natural rubber mix, the new variants are evidently lighter and therefore more comfortable to wear. The “Brisbane” also seems lighter to the eye due to it’s discontinuous outsole and the shoe upper that extends all the way to under the sole from the medial section of the shoe, and proves to be an immediate bestseller for Berkemann in spring/summer collection 2007.
In October 2007, Berkemann, now an independent company, Berkemann GmbH & Co. KG, moves into new premises in Greizer Straße. A new chapter in its corporate history starts there in the renovated, listed building of a former lingerie manufacturer.
The foot protection division, for a few years having been run by Bauerfeind Fußorthopädie, is re-incorporated at Berkemann. Thomas Bauerfeind and Dr. Kai Alexander Saldsieder are managing directors and even for the new collection focus upon Berkemann’s core competences: health and comfort.
