The origins
Birth of the Hook and Loop concept
- The self-gripping Hook and Loop Fastener concept was invented in 1948 by Georges de Mestral, a Swiss engineer. Upon returning from a hunting trip, Mr. de Mestral noticed that cockleburs stuck to his clothes and his dog's hair.
- From this observation Mr. De Mestral created the original self-gripping Hook and Loop Fastener. Mr. De Mestral applied for patents on his invention and established, with several investors, the Velcro S.A. Company in Switzerland.
- Today the Hook & Loop fastener is recognized as one of the 50 most important inventions of the 20th century.
Birth of APLIX
|
1958 > |
Velcro France founded by Jean Billarant |
|
|
1976 > |
The patent expires : Velcro France becomes APLIX |
|
|
1981 > |
First manufacturing plant built in the USA : APLIX Inc. |
|
|
1980's > |
A commercial network set up throughout Europe and Asia |
|
|
1994 > |
Design of new breakthrough products for the hygiene market |
|
|
1990's > |
Two new manufacturing plants (USA and France). |
|
|
2001 > |
Le Cellier manufacturing plant opens. Receives "Best Industrial Construction" from the World Architecture Awards |
|
|
2006 > |
Grand opening of Shanghai manufacturing plant (China) |
|
|
2008 > |
APLIX celebrates its 50 years ! |
|
