Founding of Tweka
On May 16, 1916, Jacques de Heer (son of a weaver) founded the Geldropsche Tricotfabriek. In the beginning, the company, which employed 20 people, produced only 1 product, namely underwear. The company was doing very well. The number of employees grew rapidly, and so did the range of products.
The swimwear brand, which is also known for its polyester collections, or chlorine-resistant swimwear, also consists of fashion collections with fresh colours and prints, including tracksuits. In 1926, a striking brand name was sought to better distinguish the company and the products. The company stood for two things: Color Right and Quality. In Dutch: Kleurrecht en Kwaliteit. And so it became Tweka (Two K’s). In the 1920s, Tweka starts producing swimwear, to which it owes its name and fame.
In the 1950s, Tweka continued to specialize in swimwear. Wool jersey fell out of fashion in the 1950s. Woven fabrics take their place. Lastex, for example, a new, still quite thick, but very elastic material for that time. Bikinis became extremely popular from the 1960s. This trend has been very important to Tweka. By responding well, she managed to reach a very important part of the market. This despite the strongly increasing competition from abroad.
Jacques de Heer, who died during the war, was succeeded in 1948 by his son Loet, who remained in charge until 1975. In 1982, the factory was transferred to Nuenen. Then it became part of 'Van Heer-Tweka'. The Tweka is now located in Twente.
