Foundation: 1970, acquisition by the uvex group in 2001
Location: Val de Moder
Management: Stéphane Nikonoff, Axel Ruf
In 2001, uvex safety acquired the specialist manufacturer Heckel. The brand is renowned for its expertise in rubber processing and the development of innovative sole technologies (e.g. MACSOLE®). The merger ensured the continued existence of the Heckel brand. The Heckel brand continues to operate independently to this day and is the second-largest manufacturer of safety footwear within the uvex group.
In the early 1960s, Heckel switched to producing various sports shoes and, eventually, safety footwear.
The year 1970 marked the final transition to safety footwear. Heckel became HECKEL SÉCURITÉ.
Through this acquisition, uvex strengthened its market presence in France and integrated Heckel’s expertise into its global innovation strategy.
Heckel has developed the MACSOLE RUBBER OUTSOLE technology.
In 2021, the first safety shoe made from recycled materials was produced in accordance with the EN ISO 14001 standard.
From France to Antarctica and from Mongolia to Greenland – Heckel safety footwear is tested under extreme conditions. Explorers such as Nicolas Dubreuil and Stéphane Luchini put the products through their paces in the harshest environments. In 2008, Heckel was the official supplier to the Mercedes team led by German racing driver Ellen Lohr, both at the Dakar Rally and in other rally competitions.
Joseph Heckel
The company’s founder competed for the French national team at the 1948 Olympic Games.
With his invention of football boots without a fixed toe cap and featuring screw-in studs, he was several years ahead of adidas.
French presidents
Both President François Hollande and President Emmanuel Macron have been seen wearing uvex glasses – clear proof that quality is a top priority even at the highest levels of government.
