1995
A workforce of seven uses two looms on leased premises to produce elastic bandages and anti-raciulitis belts for sale in Latvia and Russia, which from the outset is the largest importer of TONUS ELAST goods.
1996
Products are sold in Estonia and Lithuania.
1997
The workforce rises to 17 employees with merchandise sold in the Republic of Belarus and the Ukraine. Production of goods for pregnant women and nursing mothers begins.
1998
Despite the Russian economic crisis, the product line increases to 13 with exportation to new markets in Kazakhstan, Georgia and Central Asia.
1999
The company moves into its own premises with an expanded workforce of 20 and 24 products. Moldova joins the line of importers.
2000
Neoprene products are successfully introduced and TONUS ELAST wins a diploma “Export-capable Latvian Product of 1999” (Made in Latvia competition, organised by the Latvian National Organisation of Bar Coding - bureau of Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry "GS1 Latvia").
2001
TONUS ELAST products are marketed in Central Europe, namely in Poland and employees number 40 in total. The company again wins “Export-capable Latvian Product” for 2000, and officially becomes one of the largest tax payers in Latvia! (ref Tax Authority of Latvia).
2002
In comparison with 1997, sales volume increases by 400 per cent, with 43 products on offer. The Balkan market is entered through sales in Bulgaria. Diplomas received this year include:
"GS1 Latvia" "For producing an export-capable product and successful marketing in 2001"
"The best package of 2001" from Latvian Packaging Association
"Promptly growing Latvian company for the period 1998- 2000 " from the newspaper "Diena" and the company "Lursoft."
2003
The volume of sales exceeds 1 million dollars per year. Products by TONUS ELAST are marketed in New Zealand. 69 employees produce 50 types of products on 10 looms. The company successfully passes certified audit from the company "Moody International" in compliance with an international standard ISO 9001:2000, moreover, the company is awarded with the diploma "Export-capable Latvian product of 2002" .
2004
The ompletes the project in order to receive financing from the European structural funds under the program SAPARD for purchase of knitting equipment by "Matec" brand. Continuous manufacturing of the supportive anti-varicose fabric has begun. The products of the company are marketed in West Europe - Great Britain. The number of employees exceeds 80 people. The company starts construction of additional buildings. The International Club of Leaders in Sales awards the prize "For quality" and "For leadership and enterprise prestige." Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chamber awards the prize for development, successful and stable growth, social responsibility, and creation of new workplaces.
2005
The company celebrates ten years in business. Almost 100 employees on 17 looms produce over 70 types of goods, which are sold in different countries of EU and former soviet countries. The products are exported to other countries, such as Kuwait, Morocco and UAE. TONUS ELAST is participating in new projects on financing from the European structural funds for expansion and modernization of manufacturing.
2006
New equipment is purchased from EU structural funds: four automatic MERZ circular knitting machinesfor compressive product manufacturing, four MÜLLER knitting looms, two warping machines, cutting and sewing equipment and an automated designer’s workstation. In comparison with 2005, the overall production of knitted products increases by 40 % and the overall production of garments by 15 %. The company successfully confirmsits ISO 9001 Certificate, and receives a diploma “For Creation of an Exportable Product and Successful Marketing in 2005” from GS1 Latvija. A manufacturer’s store is opened in Moscow, and the Liepāja TONUS ELAST store moves to its new premises.
2007
The staff increases to 140 employees and 90 types of products are manufactured. TONUS ELAST is awarded a diploma “For Creation of an Exportable Product and Successful Marketing in 2006” from GS1 Latvija as a participant of the Made in Latvia competition. New technology of manufacturing a new structure of woven ribbons (with alternating strips of yarn and line) is implemented, new models of bras with shaped cups for expectant and nursing mothers are introduced and the production commences of compressive tights for expectant mothers. The production of polyester straps is modernised, with cotton yarn used for manufacturing belts. Construction begins on a new warehouse.
2008
Personnel increase to 170 employees. A new collection of the Comfort series is introduced into production with the use of new woven ribbons with line. New technology is utilised to manufacture compressive length 2 products. New materials and designs for manufacturing products for expectant mothers and corrective products for women are marketed. For the first time, TONUS ELAST participated, together with its partners the Denyro Company, in the Rommedica Exhibition in Bucharest, Romania.
2009-2010
The world financial and economic crisis brought its own adjustments into the TONUS ELAST development programme. As more than 80% of all of the company products are exported, fluctuations of demand in different countries influence production tasks of the enterprise as well. The company had to partially reduce its production and save on costs by using the internal reserves. However, despite all that, the golden fund of specialists and professionals has been retained as a basis for future development. Already this year skilful work with partners, new supplies of products to different countries and successful presentation of the company’s capabilities at international specialised exhibitions have been in contrast to the crisis phenomena. New perspectives are also opened due to a contract with a large Italian partner – VARIMED company – on utilisation of production capacities of TONUS ELAST for manufacturing compressive units. A step towards acquisition of new markets is opening in the form of a joint venture in Great Britain - TONUS EUROPE Ltd. Opening of new outlets in Latvia and abroad has also contributed to the retail network expansion. The enterprise meets its 15th anniversary being fully ready to restore the temporarily lost positions, to increase the production turnover and to offer newly developed products to the market.
