Sanita Clogs
1481
The first written accounts about wooden clogs are found in Denmark.
For the next 400 years, wooden clogs are the most widely used type of footwear, and especially in central Jutland – close to the vast tracts of woodland – clogs are produced on an extensive scale.
1781
A number of farms in central Jutland took on a clog maker to make wooden clogs for selling at local markets or to traders.
A skilled clog maker was expected to make at least five pairs of clogs a day.
1870
Newly made clogs are smoked to harden the clogs and prevent the wood from cracking.
It is during this process that the clogs acquire their characteristic red-brown colour. Depending on the intended use, clogs are fitted with a metal bracket or a lined leather strap across the instep.
1881
On 18 June a baby boy is born at a smallholding in Vorgod. He later grows up to play a decisive role in the Danish clog-making industry.
1899
The shepherd boy Christen Meldgaard Andersen is now 18 years old, and is apprenticed as a slipper maker.
During his apprenticeship he learns the craft which becomes the foundation of Sanita’s success.
1900
The wooden clog with leather upper was the most popular model in Denmark.
1907
On 4 February, Christen Meldgaard Andersen opens his shop and workshop at Skolegade in Herning. Riding his bicycle and with two pairs of clogs under his arm, he sets out to visit the general stores in the local area.
Sales really take off when he starts travelling by train to visit potential customers in the larger towns nearby.
1924
Christen Meldgaard Andersen moves the company to larger premises at Mindegade, and sales are steadily increasing.
1940
Christen’s son Johannes Meldgaard Andersen starts working at the company and becomes a coowner seven years later.
1958
Sanita’s founder Christen Meldgaard Andersen dies, and Johannes Meldgaard Andersen takes over the company as sole owner.
1965
Clog production is transferred to an independent company, A/S Sanita Træfodtøj, situated at Platanvej in Herning.
1970
Sanita maintains its position and launches colourful clogs, and that year’s big hit – wooden-soled boots.
1983
Sanita was turned into a holding company – and exports grew.
1988
The flexible SanFlex model is launched and becomes a tremendous success. Clogs are no longer made with wooden soles only.
2000
Sanita moves to an ultramodern domicile in Ikast.
2007
Sanita produces 600,000 pairs of clogs annually, of which just over half are exported.
The name
The name Sanita was registered in the mid-sixties, when Johs. Meldgaard Andersen, son of the founder, establishes the company “A/S Sanita Traefodtoej”, and moves the production into separate locations.
But how did this name come up? Well, there are lots of guesses… In fact, we’ve heard that in some corners of the world, you can even bet on it…
But the truth is that Sanita is named after one of the foster-great granddaughters of the founder, Christen Meldgaard Andersen. She is the apple of his eye, and a reliable, honest and powerful girl.
All good values that the old man identifies with the Sanita brand. Her name, by the way, is Sue Anita…
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