Born in Switzerland, the Bat’a siblings were innovators from the start, replacing the traditional one-man workshop with a 10-person enterprise. In 1897, the introduction of mechanised production techniques, including the first steam-driven shoemaking machines, allowed for a rapid modernisation in shoe-making. This indeed allowed the company to become one of Europe’s first mass producers of shoes. Today Bata stores are spread worldwide and continue dedicating themselves to discovering new shoe materials and creating fresh styles that blend fashion with comfort.