Bekina has been the reference in polymer processing for 60 years
Driving our persistent desire for innovation, fuelling our resolute commitment to sustainable quality and culminating in the world’s finest polymer products an technologies.
Bekina in numbers
Join us as we dive into the world of Bekina in numbers!
From the number of products produced each year to a total of partners and employees that make this magic happen.
120+ employees
x different nationalities
600+ customers
80+ export countries
4000+ SKU's produced
5000+ tons raw material used
40 million € turnover
Moments to remember
Have a look at the most significant milestones and achievements of our company. From the launch of our family company to our contributions to the community, we believe it is essential to acknowledge and celebrate these moments that have shaped our company's identity and values.
Shoemaker goes bootmaker
Automatisation & innovation
Injection moulding that's what we do
P for polyurethane and pioniering
Coloured compounding for the win
Sealing the deal
Sustainability through expertise
Have a look at our more detailed history
2022
Sustainable organisation
Sustainable organisation
Bekina is a company that prioritizes sustainability and circularity in our production processes. We use durable, high-quality materials and employ efficient manufacturing processes to minimize waste and reduce energy consumption. Overall, Bekina's commitment to sustainability is an important aspect of our business philosophy, creating products that are both functional and environmentally responsible.
2019
Introduction of RFID tag
Introduction of RFID tag
Bekina Boots continues to focus on innovation. For example, every pair of boots is provided with an RFID tag as standard. This ensures the unique identification of each pair of boots with track-and-trace capabilities.
This offers numerous possibilities, including for distributors and end users, from efficient stock management to automatic access control via the work boots.
2017
Pionier als duurzame organisatie
Pionier als duurzame organisatie
x
2014
Establishment of BeSealed
Establishment of BeSealed
The common thread throughout the history of the company is that of the spin-off activities. The creation of the BeSealed brand was the fourth big success in this regard! BeSealed markets products for the waterproofing of concrete structures in the construction sector. The self-expanding strips are produced by Bekina Compounds. In turn, Bekina Indurub supplies injection moulding products for a variety of complex sealing problems. The integration of all our know-how!
2013
Move to our new offices
Move to our new offices
Bekina Boots moved into its brand-new headquarters. This feat of architecture is synonymous with daylight, transparency, comfort and sustainability. The lab with state-of-the-art measuring and testing equipment for daily testing of the quality of our boots guarantees intensive cooperation with accredited test institutes worldwide. The Bekina Compounds lab is also housed here.
2004
Thomas Vanderbeke, third generation
Thomas Vanderbeke, third generation
Thomas Vanderbeke, Georges’ eldest son and the 3rd generation of boot-makers, joined the Bekina team. From the start, Thomas placed great emphasis on effective marketing, process optimisation and product innovation.
2000
Expansion
Expansion
Bekina Boots and sister company Bekina Indurub were growing so fast that Bekina Indurub moved to its own brand-new 5,000 m² production facility.
1994
Establishment of Bekina Compounds
Establishment of Bekina Compounds
Where we had previously made rubber compounds for internal use, Georges decided to set-up Bekina Compounds as a separate entity. The company specialises in the production of coloured rubber compounds tailored to the customer’s needs. The conscious choice for colour compounds has been there since the outset, always with unique specialist properties. We are the specialist of specialities!
1990
Launch of the production of polyurethane boots
Launch of the production of polyurethane boots
Bekina Boots established an even firmer foothold in the heart of rural Flanders with the construction of additional warehouses. Georges took the strategic decision to start manufacturing polyurethane boots, taking another major step forward. POLYURETHANE BOOTS are 40% lighter than rubber or PVC boots, and last three times longer. This decision proved to be a winner.
1987
Devastating fire
Devastating fire
As the sole manufacturer of rubber boots in Belgium, Bekina Boots was preparing to celebrate its 25th anniversary. However, it suffered a terrible blow on 24 October 1987. A devastating fire burned down the whole company overnight. Everything was destroyed and had to be rebuilt. Thankfully, all the employees willingly played a part in helping to rebuild the company. Thanks to their hard work and cooperation, Bekina became fully operational again in just eight months. Staffing, production and sales all returned to the same level as before the fire, but within a brand-new company!
1984
Further internationalisation with Georges
Further internationalisation with Georges
Georges used his language skills and commercial knowledge and flair to further strengthen Bekina's presence on the international stage. Increased exports of Bekina boots, even outside of Europe. He organised the development and expansion of the production of NBC overshoes, supplying the Belgian and Danish armies.
1970
Oprichting Bekina Indurub
Oprichting Bekina Indurub
x
1970
Georges Vanderbeke, second generation
Georges Vanderbeke, second generation
Georges Vanderbeke, Denis's son, joins the company. Georges had a business instinct and developed further market expertise with a focus on growth and internationalisation. He started up the production of pressed rubber safety boots and set up sales throughout Western Europe. In doing so, he laid the foundations for the internationalisation of Bekina Boots. In addition, Georges established Bekina Indurub as one of the first manufacturers with injection moulding technology for plastics and rubber. This resulted in a technical, ergonomic and price advantage in the market for slatted bases and ladder pads, among other products. Two focus markets for Bekina Indurub to date.
1962
Bekina founded by Denis Vanderbeke
Bekina founded by Denis Vanderbeke
Bekina Boots the first division of the Bekina group founded in 1962 by Denis Vanderbeke, a shoemaker in the rural village of Kluisbergen. He supplied handmade rubber boots to farmers in Belgium.