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Loake is set up in Kettering, Northamptonshire, by three brothers, Thomas, John and William. The business is started in an outbuilding at Thomas Loake’s house at 62 King Street.
Rapid expansion leads Loake to buy a small factory at the back of Newland Street in Kettering.
Loake soon outgrows the premises in Newland Street and moves into a newly built factory in Wellington Street. However, with the installation of the new machinery, output increases and the business grows rapidly. To accommodate the growth, a new factory is built in Wood Street.
Loake moves to Wood Street, where it can still be found today. In the early days, the factory is called the Unique Boot Factory. It has a floor area of approximately 20,000 sq ft, accommodates over 300 workers and is considered one of the finest and most advanced shoe factories in the country.
Further extensions are made to the Wood Street site to accommodate the continued growth of the business.
Loake’s contribution to the war effort includes the manufacture of Terrain boots, Convalescent boots and Despatch Riders boots for the British army. Vast quantities of Cossack boots are also made for the Russian army.
There is a devastating fire at the Wood Street site. Despite the extensive damage, however, production resumes very quickly.
Every business has to allocate space for the war effort and Loake produces footwear for the forces, both Naval and RAF officers. At its peak, production runs to 2,500 pairs of screwed and stitched boots a week.
Immediately after the war the company starts to carry stock lines and the Loake brand is officially registered (although it has been in use before).
Loake celebrates 100 years. A celebration for staff and workers is held at Wicksteed Park in Kettering.
In this year Loake produced the best sales performance in its history to date. Exports grew by 30 per cent.
Loake sets up an additional factory to make Goodyear welted shoes in India.
Loake celebrates its 125th anniversary.
Loake is granted a Royal Warrant of Appointment to HM The Queen.
Loake acquires a new warehouse to accommodate increasing demand on its in-stock service.
Loake is a finalist in the UK Footwear Awards.