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The
Story of Jack
and George
In early 1985, George Kuropas, then co-chairman of the Safety
Committee at a large manufacturing facility, witnessed a group
tour the plant at his place of work. The visitors were wearing
toe protection that his employer had provided. It generated a lot
of noise. The group appeared uncomfortable and seemed
to be embarrassed by being heard above the machinery.
George thought there had to be a better way. Upon learning there
were no better alternatives in the market, he conceived of the
idea to create a safety
toe overshoe, which would enable all types
of visitors to tour the plant quietly, comfortably, and safely.
Above all, he believed that this could be offered at an affordable
price.
With the idea sketched on a napkin, George took the idea to his
long-time colleague, Jack. Jack
Wilson knew where to find the necessary
raw materials and how to go about production. Jack dedicated many
late evenings and weekends to create the first prototype. Later
that year, the steel
toe overshoe, Wilkuro Safety Toes was born.
The first sale consisted of 35 pairs to their then corporate employer
who supported their endeavors.
Jack and George agreed on the basic Wilkuro
philosophy that still drives their business today: the success of the business
depends on giving the customer value, quality and superior service.
The rest is history!
Experience what this Wilkuro
commitment to quality and value means
first hand.Order your Wilkuro Safety
Toes today.
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Timeline
November 1985: Wilkuro Safety Toes founded as
limited partnership. Began manufacture of rubber-based safety
overshoes using Acton's rubber products.
March 24, 1995: Wilkuro Incorporates.
May 1, 1995: Moved to larger office facilities
at 610 Bowes Road in Concord, Ontario.
December 6, 1993: Wilkuro Safety Toes tested
against CSA standards and ANSI Z41-1991 for compression and impact.
Product meets all safety requirements.
February 26, 1996: Wilkuro Safety Toe gains OSHA
acceptance.
March 3, 1997: Wilkuro Safety Toe passes ANSI
Z41-PT91 Class 75 for impact and compression.
May 2, 1997: Wilkuro Safety Toes gain Workers
Compensation Board of BC Acceptance
March 1, 1998: Moved again to larger manufacturing
facility in Concord, Ontario.
June 1, 1998: Wilkuro launches new logo type.
April 19, 2000: Wilkuro® becomes a Registered
Trademark.
July 6, 2004: SATRA passes Wilkuro Safety Toes
with rubber overshoe for CE Marking.
January 15, 2004: Wilkuro became ISO 9001: 2000
Certified.
January 2005: Began investigating different
overshoe materials to improve quality and durability.
February 24, 2006: PVC Overshoe Tested to the
ASTM 2413-05 Performance Requirements, passing ANSI Class I-75
Impact, Class C-75 compression: the highest standard possible for
toe protection.
May 23, 2006: SATRA passes Wilkuro Safety Toes
with PVC overshoe for CE marking.
December 7, 2006: Official switch to PVC Overshoes
Announced. |
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