Bata Industrials' participation in the world's most important trade fair for Personal & Protective Equipment; the A+A, held every two years in Düsseldorf, Germany, was a great success. With an impressive stand of 200 square metres, Bata Industrials has yet again emphasized its Footwear beyond Safety concept. The concept focuses on the wear experience and the well-being of people who wear the Bata Industrials safety shoes during their daily activities.

   

In order to create some excitement at the stand and to highlight the design and comfort aspects of Bata Industrials safety shoes, a dance group performed a customized show. You can view it here for Mac users (29MB) and here for Microsoft Windows users.

   

The A+A trade show was also the occasion to introduce the start of the world wide co-operation amongst Bata Industrials Companies across the world. Luis Vergara and Luis Pinto from Bata Chile for South America, Mike Hatfield from Bata Australia for Asia/Pacific and Alex Gordon from Bata South Africa for Africa joined the stand crew to serve Bata Industrials customers. “We strongly believe that sharing the knowledge and experience available in our company, will give us an edge in further enhancing our product offering” says Harm Daems, Managing Director of Bata Industrials.

Among overseas visitors, Bata Industrials had the honour of hosting a visit from the Board of Directors including Mr. Thomas J. Bata, Bata Group Honorary Chairman, and Mr. Thomas G. Bata, Bata Group CEO, together with other Directors who took the time to visit the A+A trade fair and meet the customers.



During the show, the entirely redesigned Bata Industrials website went live, which is more complete, better organized and more user-friendly. For example, one added value function is the shoe advisor. By answering one or more questions about the work environment of the user, the on-line consultant will point out a suitable shoe and sock.

In connection with the introduction of the new website, visitors could participate in a Click and Win contest, by answering four questions of which the solutions could be found on the new Bata Industrials website. Bata Industrials congratulates the following winners with their prizes: Mr. Ivo Vleminx from Safety Shop who won the first prize, a Trek 3700 mountain bike; Mr. Michael Zittlau from Bjerregaard who won the Philips mini hifi system with 3cd changer and Mr. Gepken from Secur, who won a Samsung USB drive Music Player.

New collections were presented at the A+A trade fair in which safety, health and comfort come together more attractively than ever before. One of these was the new The Natural collection. This lightweight safety shoe, developed as a natural extension to the wearer's body, is characterized by its perfect fit for every foot. Just like its predecessor, The Natural has a special asymmetric last, the result of intensive biomechanical research. This shoe, available in four width sizes, also features the unique shock absorbing Tunnelsystem.



Bata Industrials has further improved the sole technology by offering models with a Dual density PU-sole and other models with a TriTech-sole. Both soles have different profiles, in line with the quality of the sole materials used to create an optimum anti-slip effect. This enables Bata Industrials to offer tailor-made solutions for all working conditions and to make a further contribution to minimizing slipping, falling and tripping accidents on the work floor: the main causes of long-term absence.

The Natural is made from first-class leather and various other high-quality materials. Together with the breathable lining and the preformed, replaceable inlay sole, this makes The Natural a comfortable safety shoe suitable for every working environment. Furthermore, additions to the Traxx and BS2000 collection were presented, amongst which a line of safety shoes specifically designed for women.

To complete the concept, Bata introduced at the A+A three prototype sock models, based on bamboo, hemp and seaweed. In comparison with cotton, these natural materials can absorb much more moisture, feel cool and have an antibacterial effect. Ultimately, one of these three materials will be used in a sock whose natural characteristics specifically fit the new The Natural collection.