Lemaitre: Putting the best local boot forward

Boer doeltreffend met John Deere se nuwe 7R-reeks

For 30 years, Lemaitre supported the South African workforce with locally manufactured, superior quality safety footwear, and responsible sourcing that supports local industries. Now, more than ever, it’s one worker supporting another in order to boost the economy and get South Africa back on its feet. Lemaitre Safety Footwear, as part of the BBF Safety Group, has long been a staunch supporter of not just manufacturing locally, but sourcing local suppliers and components as far as possible to support the people and communities of this great country.

With the economic and humanitarian challenges presented by the COVID-19 lockdown, it is now up to all of us to support local products, services and businesses wherever possible, to fasttrack our economic recovery.

Local procurement

If we’re serious about building a strong and sustainable local economy, it starts with our procurement processes. Lemaitre recognises its responsibility to earnestly support local businesses and SMMEs by locally sourcing key components, and outsourcing some of our production work. This ensures that Lemaitre contributes to the local economy and the communities beyond even our own workforce.

Local manufacturing

We believe in what we can accomplish locally. With over 400 employees, we are serious about job creation. Most of the work and labour required in manufacturing our safety footwear goes into the upper construction. Lemaitre uppers are produced in South Africa in our factory in Port Elizabeth and also through various independent CMTs providing cut, make and trim services. Together, we produce Proudly South African safety footwear that protects the workforce across various industries, and lays the foundations of positive change.

Local distribution

Our safety footwear is in demand throughout Africa, so we use the capability of local companies to get it there – which includes transporting, warehousing and reselling. After all, South Africans have always shown the ability to go the extra mile.

Keeping the workforce safe across industries and applications

By manufacturing and distributing safety footwear products of the highest quality, we are looking out for the hardworking people who are building a stronger South Africa. Lemaitre Safety Footwear is proudly manufactured by workers, for workers. It’s time for us to all play our part in rebuilding the economy. As a major enterprise, small business or even as an individual consumer; without compromising on quality, let’s start questioning our purchasing decisions and supporting each other in pursuit of a brighter future for all.