The family-run business is the first German hosiery knitting mill in 50 years not only to open a new site in Germany but also to increase its production volume.

Dietmar Dirks, Managing Director at Strumpf Dirks:

“We believe in quality hosiery made in Germany, which is why we’ve expanded our production facility and capacity in Billerbeck. The last German hosiery factory was opened in 1996 – by our family.”

The need to up its production capacity in Billerbeck near Münster arose a few years ago when Dirks acquired Lusana, a previously Austrian hosiery specialist for traditional costumes.

New trend – quality made in Germany

The expansion also demonstrates Strumpf Dirks’ commitment to quality made in Germany. Many other textile manufacturers outsource their production and dyeing processes to China, India and Bangladesh, yet Dirks keeps its value chain in-house.

Today, the knitting company has firmly established itself as a premium brand for traditional hosiery with hand-linked toes. In addition, its employees carefully embellish the stockings with elaborate embroidery. Before Strumpf Dirks took over this niche market, Dietmar Dirks was constantly working to drive the company forward.

Founded in 1964, the linking factory mainly operated as a contract manufacturer. Around 120 staff were employed exclusively to link the toes on socks. In 1996, Dietmar stepped into his father’s footsteps and reinvented the company. Dirks became a supplier of socks for the German military with orders for around 1.2 million pairs per year. Later, the company forayed into the private label business. In 2008, it launched its own JD brand named after Josef Dirks, the company’s founder.

In 2014, Dirks bought Lusana, an Austrian brand specialising in hosiery for traditional dress, and thus carved out a niche for itself in the socks market. According to Dirks, when it comes to this particular hosiery product, they are the largest manufacturer offering the highest quality.

The range includes a staggering 200 different models that are highly sought after far beyond the confines of the German market. By expanding its production, Dirks is not only meeting the growing demand for traditional hosiery but is proactively securing its economic future as a Germany-based company.

Strumpf Dirks

Strumpf Dirks GmbH has been producing high-quality and exclusive branded hosiery at its factory in the German town of Billerbeck for over 55 years. Along with its own brands JD and Lusana, and the private label business, the company’s portfolio also includes exclusive licences. Dirks constantly strives to optimise its production, whilst priding itself on delivering on time and providing expert customer service.