AB H Brunner was founded in 1905 with focus on machines in the shoe industry. Today we are the Nordic market’s most complete supplier of material, components, accessories, tools and machines to shoe manufactures, orthopedists, cobblers and shoe stores. The company’s head office and warehouse are located in Örebro, Sweden.
The right solution, delivered fast
We strive for good and long-term relationships, where we together with the costumer develop efficient and successful solutions. This encourages us to always improve our product range and to develop new and even better products for our customers.
We also believe that our customers should be able to run their operations without any interruptions, thereby we are keen to always offer fast and secure deliveries. To succeed with this this, we have built a centrally located warehouse and developed fast and cost-effective logistics solutions.
Our goal is to be the market’s leading supplier and the natural partner for our customers.
We care for the environment
Our environmental work and focus on sustainable solutions characterize our everyday work. It shows in our product range, it shows in how we work. For several years, we have reviewed our product range to introduce more products and materials that are environmentally friendly, both in terms of content and packaging. To ensure we have the best possible alternatives available, we place high demands on all our suppliers when it comes to how their products are manufactured. In everyday life, at our workplaces, we sort and recycle our residual products.
Guaranteed quality
Quality is important to us. In addition to our own tests, we work closely with several institutes that perform independent tests. We also help out with certifications of safety and work shoes.
In the beginning of the 20th century, a young and ambitious Johann Hans Peter Brunner immigrated from Germany to Sweden. He got a job in Stockholm at a wholesale company, with focus on the shoe industry. In May 20, 1905, F:a H.BRUNNER is registered. This was the start of a long journey that led to the successful wholesale company that Brunner is today.
The Swedish shoe industry is growing strongly, from around 100 factories to almost 400 factories in 1930. Brunner operated in strong competition with many wholesalers and agencies, but mainly developed its range of machines intended for shoe manufacturing. The 1920s were marked by depression and bankruptcy, which also affected F: a H.BRUNNER. In 1929 the company becomes Aktiebolaget H Brunner.
Brunner is growing strongly during the 1930s, with many new machine agencies, primarily from Germany. The war years of 1939–1945 meant that all imports of machinery were stopped. Brunner then started manufacturing machines together with 10–15 Swedish mechanical shops, and thus helped to keep the Swedish production of shoes continue. In 1950 the Swedish shoe industry reached its all time high, with about 430 factories, both large and small. Near 200 of these factories were located in the Örebro/Kumla area.
The shoe import is let free. The Swedish shoe industry cannot compete, instead many companies move their production to the low-wage countries of the time – especially to Portugal. Brunner adapts by focusing more on material and components to the shoe and leather manufactures, and on machines to industries in clothing, furniture, automotive, foam plastic and similar industries. In 1955, the founder Hans Brunner died, and his son Harry Brunner took over. In 1966, the entire business is moved from Stockholm to Örebro – the centre of the Swedish shoe industry.
Challenging years for Brunner. The shoe factories are disappearing faster and faster, and in 1980, there are only 70 shoe factories left in Sweden. The clothing and furniture industry is also relocating its production. In the 1970’s the Swedes are wearing clogs. During “the clog boom” there was about 130 manufacturers who manufactured clogs, who compensated for the loss of traditional shoe industry. Brunner supplied the majority of these manufacturers with materials and machinery.
Brunner is quickly developing its product range to become a comprehensive wholesaler of everything in materials and components needed for the shoe, clog and leather goods industry, as well as for the leather and furniture industry. The business is flourishing again, despite the fact that Swedish shoe manufacturers are declining steadily in number. Around the year of 2000, there are only about 20 shoe factories left. Brunner begins its focus on orthopedic shoe shops and technical textiles, at the same time as selling machines – especially punching machines to all types of industries.
In 2005, Brunner celebrates 100 years. During the same year a number of important investments are made. Among other things, the company increases the presence in the Baltics by starting up sales offices in Estonia. Through company acquisitions, the focus on the orthopedics and machinery sector are increasing. Brunner is also establishing a purchasing office in Wenzhou, China, as a step in the company’s trade development with Chinese producers. In 2013, the Nordic region’s largest total supplier to cobblers, Pepes Lädervaror AB, is acquired and at the same time Brunner expands its range to the retail sector.