HAKRO HÄLT. SEIT 1969

Retailer Harry Kroll and his wife Marianne open the "Bekleidungshaus Harry Kroll" clothing store in Schrozberg. It offers outer clothing for men, women and children on a sales area of 25 m². Harry Kroll has extremely high standards for the quality of this clothing. Which is why he decides to have the textiles manufactured himself.

The clothing store continues to grow, and moves into bigger premises. On 29 May, the company Harry Kroll of Schrozberg is officially entered in the commercial register.

Word of the company's quality spreads, which leads to an increase in demand. Harry Kroll starts to develop a small network of branches with seven retail shops in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. He becomes involved in a company that manufactures knitwear for children. The knitwear is added to the range under the name of KIKO Moden.

Workwear and sportswear become the biggest product segments in the company's branches. Harry Kroll offers printing and textile finishing as additional services. The company's first catalogue is published and supports sales of basic textiles all over Germany.

The first collection is launched under the HAKRO brand name. It includes several classics that are still available today, such as T-shirt No. 292, Sweatshirt No. 471 and Polo shirt No. 800. Harry Kroll decides to focus on the manufacture of high-quality clothing and sells the retail shops. The HAKRO brand is now available exclusively from selected retail partners. The "old school" in Schrozberg becomes the company's head office.

New models and colours are constantly added to the HAKRO collection. In 1992 Harry Kroll puts his trust in the skill and support of his production partner in Turkey, a close and reliable collaboration that continues to this day.

Carmen Kroll, daughter of the company founder, joins the company that is still known as HAKRO - The Shirt Maker. The collection now comprises 30 models and 20 colours. A year later, Carmen Kroll is appointed manager. The company begins its collaboration with its production partner in Bangladesh.

From Schrozberg all over the country: the company's first logistics centres is opened close to its head office. The first high-bay warehouse is built right next door.

Change in generation: Carmen Kroll, the corporate couple's daughter, is appointed the company's managing partner. With her she brings her parents' values and attitudes that had shaped the company for so many decades. Carmen Kroll runs HAKRO in a dual chairmanship with Thomas Müller.

HAKRO combines corporate fashion with sustainability, and has the entire collection certified to OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100. HAKRO advocates good working conditions, not only in Schrozberg but also with all its production partners. The first ladies' models and a hooded shirt for children are added to the collection.

HAKRO launches its collaborations with production partners in China and Laos. The Dot trademark is introduced. The four elements combined in a single symbol represent the manufacturer, product, retail and consumer.

The year is all about expanding the collection. New additions to the range are outdoor jackets and a line of blouses and shirts under the label Harry Kroll - The Premium League of Shirts and Jackets. The women's line is specifically matched to the men's collection. The company produces its first catalogue of school clothing, and presents selected models for children.

HAKRO continues to develop the sales concept and opts for even more selective distribution. From now on, the HAKRO range is available exclusively from authorised retailers.

The idea is born to build an orphanage in Bangladesh, financed by donations from the company, customers and staff. The Harry Kroll-Foundation is established to carry it out. It becomes the umbrella for HAKRO's varied charitable activities.

HAKRO launches the Performance collection with the high-performance blend MikraLinar®, which was developed specifically for the brand. This first own-label concept requires additional warehouse capacities. A second state-of-the-art high-bay warehouse is constructed and put into operation in the same year.

A comprehensive sustainability management programme is developed and the company's first Sustainability Report published. Preparation of the first Organic collection line with T-shirts and polo shirts made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton.

HAKRO gathers all its individual brands under a new, strong umbrella: HAKRO HÄLT. SEIT 1969. Two new lines are created: the Business line with non-iron shirts, formerly Harry Kroll - The Premium League of Shirts and Jackets, and the Organic Line with a collection of GOTS-certified models.

Construction of the third high-bay warehouse at the HAKRO logistics centre in Schrozberg, planned to ecological viewpoints and including a photovoltaic system for the company's new CO2-neutral electricity generation.

Trousers in top shape! For the first time, HAKRO presents chinos for men and women that are smart enough to wear to work. At the same time, High Performance is added to the successful Performance collection line. This comprises outerwear that is exceptionally durable and hard-wearing.

HAKRO celebrates its 50th anniversary on 29 May! Today, there are 175 members of staff at Schrozberg, working together with over 2,500 people with our global production partners. And Harry Kroll's values and principles continue to apply to this day.

Sustainable news: The HAKRO Ultralight Jacket Eco for women and men joins the HAKRO collection as the first model made from 100% recycled polyester.

Since January 2021, HAKRO has been a member of the Fair Wear Foundation and is thus taking the next big step on the consistent path towards even more sustainability. The common goal: innovative solutions and a sustainable improvement of working conditions in textile production.