Our history
Read about the story of the Kolmi Hopen company.
1921
1921
Factory is established in Angers
The factory was, fistrly, specialised in cigarette paper manufacturing.
1972
1972
The first paper mask
Kolmi manufactures Europe's first paper mask.
A revolution for medical equipment!
1975
1975
The first non-woven mask
Kolmi designs the first single-use non-woven mask.
The evolution of the material provides better protection but also greater comfort.
2003
2003
Creation of Hopen
Creation of the Hopen brand, specialist in single-use personal protective equipment.
2007
2007
French leader in surgical masks
Kolmi becomes the first manufacturer to equip operating theatres in France with surgical masks.
2011
2011
Medicom acquires shares in the capital of Kolmi Hopen
Medicom, a world-renowned dental equipment specialist of Canadian origin, acquires a majority stake in Kolmi Hopen.
2012
2012
Kolmi celebrates its 40th anniversary !
Kolmi celebrates its 40th anniversary! This anniversary marks a historic record, that of the 2 billion masks manufactured since its creation.
2020
2020
Covid-19 crisis upsets Kolmi Hopen
Kolmi Hopen experiences a major turning point in 2020. The entire production of masks is requisitioned, prompting the company to increase its production to meet all demands.
Thus, a second site is created, MKH Engineering, also near Angers.
Two other factories are also opened, one in the United Kingdom, the other in Singapore.
2021
2021
Creation of the ManiKHeir factory
The ManiKHeir factory, in Sarthe, has been created to reindustrialise the nitrile glove in France.
Gloves from the first production lines should be available by the end of 2023.
The beginnings of a CSR approach are praised
Kolmi Hopen was awarded the ECOVADIS silver medal only one year after starting its CSR approach.
2022
2022
Strategic alliance with WeeSafe
Kolmi Hopen acquires WeeSafe, a well-known player in the field of body protection with its Category III PPE suits, to strengthen its position in the industrial market.
