Regence Footwear is a manufacturer and distributor of top-of-the-line footwear whose two divisions, fashion and industrial, propose a wide variety of products designed for work, outdoor and daily activities.
The Beginnings
In January 1979, Regence Footwear is created in a small factory employing, at that time, fifteen employees. In the beginning, the company produces leather winter boots, whose reputation is now well-known. This niche allows Regence to, among others, become one of the most important manufacturer of waterproof leather winter boots in Canada.
Christian Bergeron, current president, has a ringside seat to witness the evolution of the company founded by his father, Henri. After having participated to every aspects of the company, he becomes Regence’s Chief-Executive Officer in 1987.
Regence Footwear experiences an incredible growth in the 90s: development of new products, acquisitions, including the one of the Quebecer company Blondo, expansion on new markets and technological turning. It is worth mentioning that in 1994, Regence Footwear has been the first manufacturer in its domain to obtain the ISO accreditation in North America.
In 1995, Regence Footwear embarks upon an expansion project with the construction of a 52,000 square feet building. Since then, this building has been expanded twice to reach its current surface of 83,000 square feet.
A Wind of Change
In August 2004, Regence Footwear acquires the commercial division of Acton, producer of top-of-the-line rubber footwear such as outdoor boots, overshoes and work boots. This acquisition allows reaching new markets segments.
The footwear manufacturing industry having experienced numerous changes over the past decades, in 2005, Regence Footwear announces the transfer of its leather boots production in Asia in order to increase its production capacity, to maintain objectives of reaching new markets and developing new products while staying competitive.
In 2007, Blondo breathes new life into its line by presenting its first collection of sandals and summer shoes. On the menu: fashionable products drawn from Blondo’s tradition renown for the quality of its waterproof leather winter boots for men and women.
In 2009, for its 30th anniversary, Regence Footwear becomes distributor of other quality brands. Indeed, fashion footwear from Ramarim and Insano are now sold in Canada and in the US, while Jambu breaks through the Canadian market. As for the industrial division, Regence now distributes products from the well-known Italian brand, Cofra. Moreover, in 2009, Regence has also introduced its brand new patented comfort technology, Be Comfortable by Blondo.
Today, Regence Footwear is still growing and can count on its employees’ savoir-faire, its expertise of many decades and its market knowledge to create and offer quality products with incomparable comfort for everyone.
IMPORTANT DATES
- 2009: Distinction won at the Grands Prix Québécois de la qualité (Quebec Quality Awards) – Independant SME category.
- 2009: Unveilling of the comfort-technology Be Comfortable by Blondo.
- 2009: Regence Footwear becomes distributor of quality brands such as Jambu, Ramarim, Insano and Cofra.
- 2007 : Presentation of Blondo's first spring-summer collection.
- 2005 : Transfer of the leather boots production in Asia.
- 2004 : Acquisition of the commercial division of Acton International inc.
- 2003 : Awarded again as a top 50 Best Managed Canadian Corporation, presented and sponsored by Samson Bélair/Deloitte & Touche and the Financial Post of Toronto.
- 2002 : Recipients for the Grands Prix québécois de la qualité (Quebec Quality Awards) – Manufacturer SME category.
- 2002 : Finalist for the Fideides Award - Ste-Foy's Regional Chamber of Commerce.
- 2002 : Awarded again as a top 50 Best Managed Canadian Corporation, presented and sponsored by Deloitte & Touche, CIBC and the Journal Les Affaires.
- 2001 : Christian Bergeron, named person of the year of the Canadian Footwear Industry by the 2/10 Foundation.
- 1997 : Awarded again as a top 50 Best Managed Canadian Corporation, presented and sponsored by Arthur Anderson and the Financial Post of Toronto.
- 1997 : Implication in the Henri-Bergeron Community House's start up and financing.
- 1995 : Recipient of the Arista Sun-Life Award – Christian Bergeron, Quebec City's young entrepreneur of the year.
- 1994 : ISO Accreditation.
- 1992 : Recipients of the Fideides Award - Ste-Foy's Regional Chamber of Commerce.
- 1991 : Acquisition of Chaussures Faber Inc.
- 1990 : Implementation of a Computer Assisted Design system.
- 1990 : Acquisition of Blondo's assets and development of the American market.
- 1989 : Acquisition of the Taurus Inc. Katerina manufacturing plant.
- 1987 : Implementation of the first computerized production system with bar code technology in the industry.
- 1979 : Creation of the company.
