10.26.2011

Ultimate performance - New safety footwear range Heckel MACSOLE® EXTREM 2.0

"Ultimate performance" is what the second range in the successful Heckel MACSOLE® EXTREM safety footwear line represents and it highlights Heckel's claim to market leadership for safety footwear that withstands extremely tough conditions.

Its capabilities were put to the test very impressively in May 2011 during the development phase of the Heckel MACRANGER. In the test centre of the customer Constellium (formerly Rio Tinto Alcan), an internationally leading aluminium manufacturer, the new MACRANGER – a special boot for foundries and steelworks – passed the demanding immersion tests. The MACRANGER withstood a bath in liquid aluminium with a temperature of approx. 800 °C. The temperature inside the shoe did not exceed 71 °C and so the safety shoe would protect the foot for a sufficient length of time at extreme temperatures.

The pivotal element of the new development is the improved MACSOLE® rubber sole technology which now includes a three part outsole system. One sole provides protection in cold conditions below -20°C, one sole in standard temperatures of -20°C to +300°C, and one in temperatures above 300°C. Further MACSOLE® EXTREM 2.0 series innovations are the MACSOLE® Thermo Control System, the MACSOLE® Fit Control System and the asymmetrically shaped additional toecap. These are innovations that significantly increase wearer comfort.
In addition, some models have unique features, such as the new Heckel MACTREK GTX, an outdoor boot with GORE-TEX®. The foot is protected from falling objects by a removable second tongue, which also helps adjust the shoe to the strength of the foot.

Summary: the first seven models in the MACSOLE® EXTREM 2.0 range offer solutions for many specialised areas of use, withstand the toughest conditions and still provide the highest level of comfort. Additional models will follow in 2012.

10.26.2011

HECKEL MACSOLE® ADVENTURE – NEW MACCROSSROAD BROWN MODEL

With its new Heckel MACCROSSROAD BROWN safety shoe, Heckel Sécurité is proud to present an extraordinary expansion of the successful MACSOLE® ADVENTURE series, which is suitable for demanding use in wet and dry outdoor situations.

The MACCROSSROAD BROWN safety shoe is available in sizes 36 to 48 and is suited to a great range of difficult conditions underfoot, from wet and oily surfaces to hot, dry environments. The completely metal-free MACCROSSROAD BROWN safety shoe features a plastic toecap and the highly flexible PERFOSAFE midsole, which is penetration-resistant. In addition a robust scuff cap ensures long-therm protection. The Heckel MACCROSSROAD BROWN is based on revolutionary and robust MACSOLE? rubber sole technology. The safety shoe is certified according to EN ISO 20345:2004+A1:2007 S3 CI HI HRO SRC.

The unique MACSOLE® rubber sole technology means that Heckel MACSOLE® ADVENTURE safety shoes are "EQUIPMENT POUR L' EXTREM", guaranteeing resistance to extreme temperatures, exceptional slip-resistance and abrasion-resistance on difficult surfaces, unrivalled thermal insulation and shock protection for optimum wearer comfort. In addition to the MACSOLE® ADVENTURE series, the Heckel range includes MACSOLE? EXTREM 2.0, MACSOLE? SPORT and MACSOLE? PLUS providing expert safety footwear solutions for virtually all areas of application and to meet the toughest, most demanding requirements.

Heckel Sécurité is based in La Walck, Alsace, France, and manufactures high-quality safety shoes. It is a subsidiary of the global uvex safety group, which is headquartered in Fürth, Germany. Heckel Securité focuses on safety footwear concepts for tough industrial application in extreme temperatures, hot and cold, as well as for heavy and light industry and construction.

08.16.2011

HECKEL to the A+A fair in Düsseldorf

From 18 till 21.10.2011 HECKEL will present its innovations during the show A+A in Düsseldorf, the biggest fair for PPE in 2011. Find Heckel on the UVEX stand, hall 03/ stand3F36/H47.

www.aplusa-online.com

11.10.2010

Innovation Prize for Heckel

At the EXPO PROTECTION 2010 Exhibition, the second largest exhibition for personal protective equipment (PPE) in Europe, Heckel was awarded an Innovation Trophy for its MACPOLAR EXTREM design, a safety boot for extreme cold weather conditions.

Among the 350 new products on display at the show and over 70 competing products, the jury, which was made up of experts, journalists, users and designers, awarded Heckel 2nd place in the "Health and safety at work" category.
The outstanding innovation of this safety boot is that its design is ultra-light and flexible, while ensuring thermal insulation in conditions of extreme cold (up to -50°C). A pair of size 42 MACPOLAR EXTREM safety boots weighs around 1.5 kg less than designs by its major competitors on the extreme cold weather wear market. This saving in weight means that less energy is expended while moving around and so the body has more energy reserves to fight the cold. Members of the jury were able to try out the product and were particularly impressed by its exceptional comfort.

A key process in the development of the MACPOLAR EXTREM was the perfection of a thermal insulation system which was high performing, but not bulky, so as to achieve a lightweight and flexible product. Here Heckel worked in partnership with the company Carpenter, to design an insulation material using the nanotechnology Aspen-Aerogels ™, which was integrated into the product. This insulation material, which is used by NASA, is composed of 98% air and possesses the lowest thermal conductivity in the world.

The MACPOLAR EXTREM design also comprises the MACsole® rubber sole technology which, thanks to its unique blend of materials and optimum contour, guarantees exceptional adhesion and a high degree of shock absorption, even in extreme cold weather conditions.

The product was initially developed for the Russian market, where for over fifteen years Heckel has enjoyed a position as market leader for safety footwear. In Siberia, the product is used for applications in oil and gas extraction and in the mining industry. The MACPOLAR EXTREM design has, in addition, attracted numerous commercial contacts in different sectors of activity, ranging from equipment for technical personnel at ski resorts to its use in frozen food warehouses.

This year Heckel celebrates its 40th anniversary and the Innovation Trophy is a tremendous reward for all the work accomplished over more than two years by the Heckel safety footwear division of the uvex safety group. It is testimony to the know-how of this Alsace-based company in the development of solutions for extreme weather conditions and extreme applications.

10.29.2010

EQUIPEMENT POUR L' EXTREME
Out now: the 2011 Heckel catalogue

The new 2011 Heckel catalogue is now available, just in time for Expo Protection 2010 in Paris. On 64 pages, Heckel presents its extensive range of products, with special solutions for various applications and innovative solutions for allround use. The catalogue is available in French, English and German, with a Russian version featuring a range adapted to the Russian market. The catalogue is available in print and for download as a PDF file:

www.heckel-securite.fr
www.heckel-securite.com
www.heckel-securite.de

10.01.2010

NEW HECKEL BRAND AMBASSADOR
Innovative partnership

Heckel is strengthening its brand positioning "EQUIPEMENT POUR L' EXTREME" with a new brand ambassador, Stéphane Luchini, with effect from August 2010. The 32-yearold Frenchman is a specialist in extreme conditions, an experienced helicopter pilot, a renowned explorer-researcher and a committed environmentalist. As a brand ambassador, Stéphane Luchini will be supplied by Heckel with equipment on his expeditions and will test products in extreme conditions, as well as being employed by Heckel as a consultant.

Heckel brand ambassador
Heckel began using the slogan "EQUIPEMENT POUR L'EXTREME" and a new logo three years ago in order to convey the company's position as a specialist in safety footwear for use in extreme conditions. In order to ensure that this positioning also caught people's attention, Heckel entered into a partnership with the "Fleetboard Ellen Lohr" rally team in 2007, and, in its capacity as the official supplier of personal protective equipment (clothing and footwear), provided the team with equipment for events including the renowned Dakar Rally and the Dakar Series. This successful collaboration not only made the Heckel brand highly visible, but by enabling it to identify closely with professional sportsmen and women, it also helped Heckel to develop new products, to test these under extreme conditions and to incorporate the valuable results into new product ranges for the world of work. Thus, for example, the Heckel MACsole® Adventure range, which was tested extensively in Argentina during the Dakar Rally 2009, and is fast becoming an international sales success story for Heckel, was born.

A portrait of Stéphane Luchini
With Stéphane Luchini as a brand ambassador, the field of expeditions as an application now forms a new focus for the brand. Stéphane Luchini began his professional career as a Puma helicopter pilot in the French army. During his time in the military, he spent ten years travelling around the world. Between his tours of duty, the passionate globetrotter pursued his hobbies of mountaineering, paragliding and skydiving. In 2007, he decided to leave the army to realise his dreams, subsequently he joined the team on the scientific expedition "Total Pole Airship", led by the famous French researcher Jean-Louis Etienne. Since then, Stéphane Luchini has been involved in various other scientific missions. When he is not on the other side of the world, Stéphane Luchini slips on his fire service overalls and flies fire fighting planes and helicopters in the South of France to put out forest fires.

Extreme conditions in the service of product innovation
Extreme cold, extreme heat, fierce storms … for Stéphane Luchini, these are everyday conditions and threats on his missions. By equipping him with innovative products such as MACPOLAR EXTREM Winter Boots or the MACEXPEDITION from the MACsole® Adventure range, Heckel has set itself the aim of protecting "experts in extreme weather conditions" from the dangers they face when carrying out their work. Moreover, by getting involved in this project, Heckel is consciously supporting a man who has dedicated his life to understanding and protecting the climate – an important battle which affects us all. However, that is not all. This partnership will also help Heckel's product development teams to develop new product generations in the future and to test these in extreme conditions. The innovations and technologies to which these research studies give rise will help to continuously further develop and improve the performance and quality of Heckel safety footwear for all applications, whether it is designed for use in extreme conditions or for day-to-day use.

A partnership based on shared values
It was important to Heckel to find an ambassador who is able to credibly embody the fundamental values of the company. Stéphane Luchini, for his part, was totally convinced by the philosophy of the Heckel brand and its products, which he had already tested under real conditions at the North Pole, and was delighted to be able to put his experiences to good use in product development processes.

 Press release 10.01.2010 PDF
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10.01.2010

HECKEL FOCUS – THE SECOND GENERATION
New models to be launched

Heckel plans to unveil the redesigned second generation of its successful FOCUS safety shoe range, which features a double-layer polyurethane outsole, in November at the Expo Protection trade fair in Paris. At the heart of this range are four new models: FOCUS high, FOCUS low, FOCUS perfo and FOCUS sandal.

The slip-on shoe FOCUS low and FOCUS high boot provide two S-3 designs (EN ISO 20345: 2004+A1 2007 S3 SRA) made from water-resistant smooth leather, which feature a breathable, textile lining for outdoor use. Both models are fitted with an abrasion resistant scuff cap.

The perforated slip-on shoe, FOCUS perfo, is made from highly active suede and features large perforations to ensure optimum breathability and ventilation in warm, dry areas of use. The FOCUS sandal is manufactured from a combination of suede and smooth leather and has a quick-release Velcro fastening to ensure a perfect fit. FOCUS perfo and FOCUS sandal are 100% metal-free and certified according to EN ISO 20345:2004 + A1 2007 S1 SRA. All models are based on a specially developed, double-layer polyurethane outsole with optimum absorption. All models are available in a wide fit in sizes 36-48. FOCUS low and FOCUS high will be available from January 2011. FOCUS perfo and FOCUS sandal will be available from April 2011.

The FOCUS range continues to feature the following tried-and-tested and successful models: FOCUS 300, FOCUS 500, as well as GUARDIAN 1 and GUARDIAN 2. The FOCUS 100 and 200 models have been removed from the range.

 Press release 10.01.2010 PDF
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09.30.2010

New Heckel Journal

You will find all the informations about the Brand activities and especially all the novelties presented by Heckel on the Uvex-Heckel stand during the EXPO Protection fair which will be held in Paris from 2 till 5 November.

 HECKEL JOURNAL 1/2010 GB
Size: 519 KB

06.09.2010

HECKEL to the EXPO PROTECTION FAIR in Paris

From 2 till 5.11.2010 HECKEL will present its new products and innovations during the show EXPO Protection in Paris, the biggest fair for PPE in 2010. Find Heckel on the UVEX stand, room 5.

11.01.2009

SYNERGIES FOR THE INNOVATIONS OF TOMORROW
Heckel Sécurité realigns its production

The realignment of Heckel Sécurité, which began in the 2007/2008 financial year, is entering its second phase with the start of the 2009/2010 financial year. Following the global revamping of the Heckel Sécurité brand with a focus on the core message, EQUIPEMENT POUR L’EXTREME, Heckel is now launching a comprehensive production process restructuring campaign intended to boost the manufacturing expertise of the brand, ensuring Heckel Sécurité’s future innovative power and better equipping it to supply its customers over the long term.

The recently launched realignment campaign has also been influenced by the economic downturn, which has left its mark on us as a long-established manufacturer of safety shoes. To ensure Heckel’s manufacturing expertise remains in Europe, production of the EXTREM range featuring MACsole® technology has been consolidated at the uvex safety group’s safety shoe technology centre in the Italian region of Piedmont.

Boosting manufacturing expertise
“By consolidating all the company’s innovative safety shoe production technologies in a single European location, Heckel Sécurité is taking full advantage of the synergy potential available within the uvex safety group,” says Peter Eschenlohr, Managing Director of Heckel Sécurité. “It means that our customers around the world will always have quick access to forward-looking, innovative quality products, all from a single, local production facility that also guarantees exceptional supply reliability”, adds Richard Fumy, Production and Technology Manager at Heckel Sécurité.

Innovative technology centre
The footwear technology and manufacturing centre, which will house production of both the Heckel and uvex brands, has more than 20 years of experience in developing and producing safety shoes. The ultra modern production facility, which is capable of turning out up to 1,200,000 pairs of shoes a year, now combines the latest production technologies for rubber-rubber, PUR-rubber and PUR-PUR soles at a single location. What’s more, there’s also a technology centre with extensive testing and laboratory facilities and ultra flexible finishing lines. “For us, it’s important to continue manufacturing our cutting-edge products such as MACsole® technology at our own European facilities and to be able to quickly and reliably provide our customers with product innovations tailored to their needs, with flexible access to various technologies,” adds Peter Eschenlohr.

Securing the future of the La Walck plant
The Heckel Sécurité facilities in La Walck, France, will continue to house Heckel Sécurité’s global distribution centre and the French distributor uvex Heckel France, the remaining commercial divisions, the academy, the product development department and the centralised European warehouse. The specialised production of orthopaedic insoles and the accompanying orthopaedic safety shoe products will soon be relocated to La Walck. This move will ensure that uvex customers and, later, Heckel customers will soon have access to an even more extensive range of certified orthopaedic safety shoe solutions combined with a European service partner network – all from a single source.

Cutting-edge innovations
With the world premiere of the Heckel MACPOLAR from the MACsole® EXTREM range at A+A 2009, Heckel is once again showcasing its exceptional innovative power with the slogan “EQUIPEMENT POUR L’EXTREME”. “Heckel retains full independence in all productrelevant areas and is opening up new market potential with innovative product concepts,” concludes Peter Escehnlohr.

 Press release 11.01.2009 PDF
Size: 49 KB

11.01.2009

HECKEL MACPOLAR – TESTED UNDER EXTREME CONDITIONS IN ANTARTICA
Safety boots for use in harsh winter conditions and refrigerated warehouses

Heckel Sécurité presents Heckel MACPOLAR, a safety boot with exceptional insulation and grip. Designed for use in extremely cold conditions as low as –50 °C and based on the successful MACsole® rubber sole technology, these specialised boots round off the MACsole® EXTREM range. Areas of application include oil and gas exploration, snow and ski slope services and refrigerated warehouses.

The durability of Heckel MACPOLAR boots was subjected to extensive field tests in extreme applications and weather conditions in Antarctica, Siberia, Sweden and the Alps, while its suitability for everyday use was put to the test in refrigerated warehouses in Germany and France.

Extreme insulation and grip
The innovative core of Heckel MACPOLAR boots is due to the extremely durable MACsole® rubber sole technology combined with nanotechnology-based Aspen Aerogels® insulation material and aluminium insulation in the sole and toe area. The shock-absorbent MACsole® rubber sole ensures exceptional grip thanks to its unique rubber blend and enhanced tread. Crampons or spikes can also be attached if desired. The multilayer insulation of the shaft and outsole with Aspen Aerogels® insulation material ensures exceptional thermal insulation and comfort in icy temperatures as low as –50°C. The high-shaft, lace-up boots made of water-resistant leather feature the water and abrasion-resistant Cordura gaiter system with fleece lining and waterproof, cold-resistant zip for protection against snow and water.

Perfect safety
The POLYCAP® plastic toecap, the metal-free PERFOSAFE® midsole and an enhanced lacing system designed to prevent sprains all contribute to ensuring the wearer’s safety in occupational applications. The integrated plastic technology insulates against the cold.

Exceptional comfort
Heckel MACPOLAR boots with exceptional shock absorption and removable Heckel Thermo-Shield® insoles, which neutralisen unpleasant odours, ensure real comfort. A warm X-Polar lining reliably absorbs sweat. The boot’s slim, lightweight design enables wearers to drive vehicles, whilst reducing fatigue when worn for longer periods thanks to its low weight. The shaft features Velcro for simple fit adjustments.

A wide range of applications
Certified in accordance with EN ISO 20345 S3 CI HI HRO, Heckel MACPOLAR boots are suitable for use in oil and gas exploration, snow and ski slope services, maintenance work, transport services, mines, forestry and hunting.

 Press release 11.01.2009 PDF
Size: 63 KB

11.01.2009

L’ EQUIPEMENT POUR L’ EXTREME
Out now: the 2010 Heckel catalogue

The new 2010 Heckel catalogue is now available, just in time for A+A 2009 in Düsseldorf. On 64 pages, Heckel presents its extensive range of products, with special solutions for various applications and innovative solutions for allround use. The catalogue is available in French, English and German, with a Russian version featuring a range adapted to the Russian market. The catalogue is available in print and for download as a PDF file:

www.heckel-securite.fr
www.heckel-securite.com
www.heckel-securite.de

11.01.2009

New Heckel Journal

The third edition of the Heckel journal has just appeared. You will find all the informations about the Brand activities and especially all the novelties presented by Heckel on the Uvex-Heckel stand during the A+A fair which will be held in Düsseldorf from 3 till 6 November.

 HECKEL JOURNAL 1/2009 GB
Size: 3311 KB

11.01.2009

HECKEL DISPLAYS
Making a perfect Impression

Heckel has unveiled new POS displays for the 2009/2010 retail period. There’s a double-sided display stand for showcasing up to 10 different models. It reaches 186 cm high, approximately 68 cm wide and even features six hooks for displaying insoles. For counter-top or hero displays there’s also a 40 x 31 x 20 cm (H x W x D) single-shoe stand. Both display stands are made of high-quality printed cardboard and are supplied boxed and individually flat-packed with assembly instructions. Order numbers are 6300010 (display stand) and 6300009 (countertop display). Please contact the Heckel Sécurité marketing team in France with any queries

 Press release 11.01.2009 PDF
Size: 48 KB

08.31.2009

HECKEL MACSOLE® ADVENTURE -E® Developed for tough use

The MACSOLE® ADVENTURE series from HECKEL is a new kind of safety shoe – the result of direct experience in the ultra tough world of professional marathon rally driving. It is suitable for demanding use in wet and dry outdoor situations, as well as industrial use in the workplace.

01.05.2009

Heckel starts the Dakar 2009 in Argentina

Heckel est le fournisseur officiel du Team Fleetboard Mercedes-Benz en équipements de protection (chaussures de pilotage, chaussures pour mécaniciens et vêtements).

Follow the Team “live” on :

www.ellenlohr.com

Rally Dakar 2009
Argentina - Chile
3 – 18 January 2009
www.dakar.com

11.1.2008

HECKEL to the EXPO PROTECTION FAIR in Paris

From 4 till 7.11.2008 HECKEL will present its new products and innovations during the show EXPO Protection in Paris, the biggest fair for PPE in 2008. Find Heckel on the UVEX stand , the room 5, the stand D31.

10.28.2008

New Heckel Journal

The second edition of the Heckel journal has just appeared. You will find all the informations about the Brand activities and especially all the novelties presented by Heckel on the Uvex-Heckel stand during the Expo Protection fair which will be held in Paris from 4 till 7 November.

Download the journal Heckel

14.02.2008

Heckel and Ellen Lohr to the Dakar Series 2008!

• Ellen LOHR will participate to the Central Europe Rally 2008.
• This new rally organised under the « Dakar Series » certification will take place from April 20th to the 26th in Hungary and Romania.
• The "Dakar Series", which was planned to start in 2009, is a project that A.S.O. has been working on for a long time. It will begin one year ahead of schedule. This first Central Europe Rally is a milestone of a series of new events intended to expand besides the Dakar Rally. The 2009 Dakar edition will be announced in the weeks to come.
• HECKEL will, of course, be the official provider of protective equipernent (footwear and apparel) for Ellen LOHR and her Team.
• More informations on : Site Dakar Series

ASO announced that the Dakar 2009 will be held in Argentina and Chile from 3 to January 18, 2009.

• We will inform you of our presence on this great event as soon as we have fixed the 2009 calendar of events with our pilots.

Heckel will also be present on other races in 2008….to be continued….surprise !

• More informations on : www.dakar.com
  
  

07.01.2008

The Dakar 2008 cancelled!

As official sponsor of Ellen Lohr and her Fleetboard team, Heckel regrets the cancellation of the 30th rally Dakar. But safety is our mission and always goes forward. Ellen Lohr and Antonia de Roissard have shown together with the team full application before the start and have developed together with Heckel a unique rally and team shoe (the perfect mix between a traditional rally shoe and an outdoor shoe). These products, tested with success by the team in Tunisia last November, will certainly have the opportunity to give evidence on following rallys.

4th January 2008, the story :

• 12 p.m : Announcement of the cancellation, Centro cultural de Belem (Extreme deception for Ellen Lohr and Antonia de Roissard. First words of Ellen: “it’s a disaster…”)
• 16 p.m : the departure …everything was ready…
• 18.30 p.m : First reactions of Ellen and Antonia given to Heckel and our customers