THE STORY

Passion for knitting

Knitted sweaters, cardigans, shawls, ponchos, shawls, hats, gloves and other knitted accessories produced in-house.

My Grandpa Hent de Reuver was a man with vision. Yet he never dreamed that the knitting machine he bought in 1951 would lay the foundation for a successful knitting factory.

On this first knitting machine, my grandmother Cor knitted comfy sweaters, which were sold for 1 guilder per bale. They sold well, sales increased and a second machine quickly became profitable. From that moment on, the development of the Gelderse Breifabriek de Reuver was unstoppable. My father Gerard and my uncles came to strengthen the company and  larger housing became necessary, but this too soon became too small. In the mid-1970s, the family built a spacious factory building on Tessstraat in Boven-Leeuwen. The knitting factory of the Reuver is still located there. A proud family business that has been able to pass on the knowledge and experience to the next generation.

Rekening van de eerste breimachine in 1951
Eerste breimachine

Plenty in business

My name is Erna de Reuver, granddaughter of grandpa Hent and grandma Cor. I have now been the head of our family business for 20 years, the company in which I more or less grew up. Together with grandmother, as a little girl, I sorted residual yarns by type and color, which she then threw away, but I  quiet for a while.

The materials, the colours, the machines, I found all these fascinating. In a playful way I learned the tricks of the trade, in addition to the techniques, I also mastered the love and passion for the profession. Our company has continued to grow and innovate over the years. As soon as it was possible, new machines came out, our collection expanded to sweaters, cardigans, hats, gloves, scarves and ponchos. Today, we can make just about anything thanks to 20 computer-controlled knitting machines, each with its own specialty. For example, we are the only knitting factory in The Netherlands with a Rachel machine, which is not only super fast but also delivers excellent quality.

De Reuver knitted fashion Erna

Family feeling

The Breifabriek’s success lies largely in the strength of cooperation and connection, the individuality and family atmosphere. We cherish the “home feeling” of warmth and cosiness and this is also noticed by our customers who come to take a look at our factory, or come to us with specific questions or wishes. Together with designers, buyers of large labels, retailers and representatives of sports clubs, we constantly come up with new products and concepts. What also characterizes us as a family business is the connection with our environment. Sustainable business is therefore a matter of course for us. At the knitting factory, we continue to invest and innovate in such a way that quality remains paramount at all times. Every product that leaves our factory in Boven-Leeuwen is made from beautiful, sustainably produced yarns and finished to the smallest detail.

My own label “Erna”

Knitting is not only an ancient technique, but for me it also stands for the connection between generations and the family feeling.

I have translated that feeling into a beautiful knitted fashion line: De Reuver knitted fashion, which includes lovely cardigans, warm ponchos, generous scarves and soft gloves in warm colours. All special pieces that complete your outfit or give it a different twist in no time. Every item in my collection is knitted with the very best quality (eco) yarns, in our own factory in Boven-Leeuwen, in the land of Maas and Waal.

I deliver my collection directly to consumers, so that the price / quality ratio is optimal. No margin over margin is charged. Extra advantages: “one-size-fits-all” and never out of stock. We stand for authenticity, transparency and 100% Dutch top quality.

All our knitted products are produced according to – and always tested against – our BeHonest quality mark.

Our target group are consumers who want to supplement their collection with special knitwear accessories that give their collection the finishing touch.

We add items to our collection all year round and listen carefully to the wishes of our customers. As we knit everything ourselves, we can quickly respond to the needs of the customer. For the retailers we would like to be an extension of the strategy and will therefore regularly invite retailers to brainstorm together about strategy, colour scheme, models, etc. If you can share, you can also multiply.

Erna
Passion for knitting

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