Part of the Steitz Secura range is sold through technical wholesalers and direct business. But Michael Huth also considers the shoe trade to be an interesting sales channel. “We were originally a supplier to the shoe trade. That’s why this segment continues to be exciting for us. We offer a product that requires explanation and with which a retailer can express their expertise.” According to the managing director, the company offers extensive advice for shoe retailers who are interested in Steitz Secura products: “Our field sales team can give important tips and help. to put together the right range,” says Huth. Many of the twelve field staff are trained master shoemakers and have inexhaustible knowledge of safety shoes.
All-rounder
Safety shoes are required in many professions and are subject to strict regulation. Every shoe must be certified. This must be taken into account when developing a new product and includes all materials that are used. Every shoe produced at Steitz Secura meets the DIN standards required for the respective professions. The models are primarily tested at the PFI in Pirmasens. Testing and certification mean considerable effort for the manufacturer and are also associated with costs. “We will never be the cheapest provider,” emphasizes Michael Huth. He doesn’t even want to attempt to break into this segment. The Palatinate company offers very durable products with a high level of comfort and an optimal fit. To ensure that the shoes meet all requirements, Steitz Secura regularly obtains feedback from those who wear them. One of them is Martin Erbe, “the trusted firefighter” for Huth. Erbe regularly takes part in national and international fire brigade competitions very successfully wearing shoes from Kirchheimbolanden and gives valuable tips on how to make the models lighter or more flexible, for example. And in addition to the important certificates that a safety shoe manufacturer traditionally has to deal with, there are a lot of other tasks and guidelines that concern the Steitz Secura team, from the circular economy to deforestation regulations. The increasing bureaucracy also sometimes causes worry lines on the team in Kirchheimbolanden’s forehead. But Michael Huth wants to remain calm: “We are a family business, we are agile, our products are made in Germany. We are preparing for new challenges.” The managing director is continuing his father’s philosophy. By the way, he still likes to stop by the company today.