HATS OFF TONAK, based in Novy Jicin, Czech Republic, is one of the world’s major manufacturers of headwear. A 200-year tradition, coupled with extensive knowhow and unique skills, has made the company a trusted partner for customers in more that 50 countries worldwide. Romana Moares reports.
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he history of textile manufacturing in the Novy Jicin region stretches back over 500 years. The beginning of the actual millinery manufacture in this area dates back to 1630, while the first millinery shop in Novy Jicin was opened in 1799. TONAK is one of the few Czech companies which has managed to continue this tradition throughout various historical upheavals, political regimes and economic changes. Today, TONAK is an important producer of headwear with two manufacturing plants. The factory in Novy Jicin specialises in manufacturing woollen and fur felt hat bodies and hats. The exacting production of felt is characterised by a large number of production steps, technological variability and perfect handicraft. “Even today, each hat is made using traditional technologies containing a high percentage of manual processing, of which we are very proud,” says Lenka Urbánková Jarešová, CEO and chairman of the board. The production of knitted headwear – i.e. berets, fezzes, hoods and woollen hats – is located in the manufacturing facility in Strakonice, which was acquired in 2001. 174 Industry Europe
Despite continuing recession in the Eastern markets, the company achieved a turnover of over 440 million CZK in 2015. The Novy Jicin plant made almost 410,000 felt hats and semi-finished products, while the output of the Strakonice factory exceeded an impressive 1.7 million pieces of knitted headwear.
150 steps The millinery range in Novy Jicin includes, as described above, ladies’ and men’s hats made of rabbit fur and wool in various shapes and forms. Semi-finished products in a wide range of shades and colours and with a variety of surface treatments are also offered. The company’s offering is complemented by knitted headwear made in the other plant in Strakonice. In addition to the classical made-to-order production delivered to customers around the globe, TONAK also prepares its own exclusive collections each year, reflecting fashion trends set by leading world designers.
