Foundation: 2002, aquired by uvex safety group in 2016
Location: Grand Rapids
Management: Steve van Ermen CEO, Dave Selvius CFO, Tom Mellema CRO, Tom Nakfoor COO
With its investment in the US‑based company HexArmor®, the uvex safety group achieved a strategic return to the world’s largest market for occupational safety products: the United States. More than two decades after its last direct market presence. This investment played a key role in advancing international expansion. In 2020, the uvex safety group acquired a majority stake in HexArmor, elevating the brand to the second‑strongest within the corporate group. HexArmor stands for innovative, high‑performance solutions in the field of hand and body protection.
HexArmor develops personal protective equipment for demanding industrial applications and is particularly active in sectors such as mining, automotive manufacturing, food processing, and recycling—industries where a high level of protection against cut, puncture, and impact hazards is essential.
Between 2017 and 2025, HexArmor achieved a 4.5‑fold increase in revenue.
First needle-resistant glove on the market
Developed the first splinter resistant glove for the largest building products producers
Developed first glove for global oil and gas industry with impact, cut, and puncture resistance
Launched the CHROME Series, with an industry first 5,000g+ of cut resistance, impact resistance and high dexterity
Partnership with uvex began
Successfully introduced uvex safety eyewear
Launched our Chrome SLT line which became one of our highest-volume lines
Became the FIRST manufacturer to offer A1-A9 cut resistant products
First manufacturer to offer Level 1-2-3 impact gloves
Launched Helix® series seamless-coated gloves
Responded to the covid crisis by developing and manufacturing in the USA for face shields and disposable goggles
Completed phase 2 of the uvex partnership, with uvex group assuming majority ownership
Successfully launched helmets
Successfully launched Hearing Protection
BakNer acquisition provided controlled access to Thailand manufacturing and product development capabilities.
Comprehensive Footwear Launch
