Wilkuro Safety Toes: The History

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.

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.