History
Protex is the story of starting as a small company in 1966 in Ålen, Norway. After a period as a cornerstone company in Ålen, we took the step to expand by establishing an activity in Estonia.
1966-1973
Start-up and establishment
In 1966, David Engan bought the estate after previous operation of Trønderplast. It all began with the production of rainwear for the construction and fishing industries in a basement in Ålen, Norway, with just a couple of employees.
During this period, Trønderplast became a limited company and moved to its own industrial building.
(David is on the left in this picture that was taken to promote rainwear.)
1974-1993
Cornerstone company
The contract and cooperation with HÅG (now Flokk, offering office furnitures) marked a significant breakthrough in the beginning of this period. The focus was on mass production for our key customer. We were their textile partner, fostering a close and integrated collaboration.
In the same period, ABS Shooting was bought, leading to the development and production of clothing for competitive shooters. This was the start of international trading and the company changed its name to Protex.
1994-2010
The start of Protex Balti in Estonia
The business expanded and necessary steps had to be taken to enhance competitiveness in terms of capacity, competence and cost efficiency.
At the beginning of this period, Protex started rental production in Estonia. Thereafter, we bought a company in Hummuli, relocated to Pärnu alongside a new customer, Trimtex, and established a presence in Tallinn.
2010 – 2011
Change of direction
After 38 years of close partnership our contract with HÅG ended. Production in Norway was terminated and 40 % of our capacity in Estonia had to be reduced. Protex shifted its focus to a new direction, emphasizing the development of “several feet to stand on,” while remaining in the textile business:
- Public tenders (framework contracts) – Field boots for the Norwegian Armed Forces and gala uniforms for the Police
- Sportswear (Trimtex, our key customer)
- Development of own brands.
2011 – 2023
Build-up and development
During this period, Protex focused on building and developing existing and new markets and customers, along with reorganizing operations in Estonia: Head office in Tallinn and production across three factories in Tallinn, Pärnu and Pärnu-Jaagupi. Additionally, Protex started developing its own brands and manufacturing niche products. Cooperation with partners in footwear (Samelin and Soleeest) was also established.
2024 – Today
- Collaboration partner and producer of technical and smart textile products, workwear, uniforms, fashionwear etc.
Read about our production services. - Development of own brands and niche production. Read about our brands and products.
