A HERO THEN AND NOW…

After the end of WW2 and the expulsion of German citizens from Abertamy, Bohemia (now part of Czech Republic), Bruno Held and his son Edgar senior founded the company HELD at their new home in Burgberg (Allgäu). Both professional glove makers, they began with the production of fashion gloves, as well as driving gloves and protective work gloves.
(Photo showing company founder Bruno Held with the former technical director Erhard Held)

With the rising popularity of motorcycling especially in racing and leisure touring in the 70s, Held focuses on production and distribution of protective gloves, particularly designed for the special needs of motorcycling in addition to their existing collection of fashion gloves.

Now focusing solely on the production of items for motorcyclists, Held teams up with 11-time European Motocross Champion, Erwin Schmider to develop the first dedicated MX glove. By this stage the company is already a trailblazer in the riding equipment industry.

After the revolutionary development of the world’s first magnetic tankbag in 1985, the next Held milestone follows in 1991. With the development of Helds first nylon jacket, they step into the world of protective motorcycle garments; this is brought to the next level in the following year with the development of the first leather suit made entirely from kangaroo leather.

In 1996 the company celebrates its 50th anniversary. Held now supplies over 3000 specialised dealers in Europe and the USA.

With a constantly growing product range, the extension of Helds customer base and the increased number of employees the need for space increases. In 1999 the administration offices as well as warehouse and logistics move to new facilities with over 7000m² in Burgberg-Erzflöße.

The legendary Held Phantom gloves are awarded test winner in the category racing gloves and set a new standard for the time. In the following year Held wins the BEST BRAND award in the glove category, awarded by Europe’s leading motorcycle magazine MOTORRAD. Since 2006 Held received this award 10 times in succession.

In 2009 Held enters into a licensing cooperation with the company Gore for the development of products with GORE-TEX membranes in the clothing sector. The quattrotempi collection resulting from this cooperation is presented for the first time in 2010 and is characterized by highest quality materials, best processing quality, innovative detail solutions and maximum functionality.

Held celebrates its 70th anniversary and presents an anniversary collection, combining urban-retro-styles with up to date safety features and latest fabrics. For all customers and fans of the brand, Held starts a raffle with a restored and customized BMW R75 as first prize. Besides all the festivity, Held presents numerous innovative highlights in various categories.

Due to the steady growth and the associated increased space requirement in our logistics at the location Erzflöße in Burgberg, Held decides to purchase the new Held Logistics Centre in Kempten in 2017.

Held presents the eVest Clip-in, the first product from the cooperation with the French airbag manufacturer In&motion.

In 2020, the first motorcycle boots with GORE-TEX membrane will be presented. This makes Held one of the few Gore brand partners to hold the license for all clothing areas, i.e. textile clothing, gloves and boots.

Held celebrates its 75th birthday in 2021. For 75 years now, the Held brand has stood for innovative motorcycle clothing with maximum safety and maximum comfort.