The shady history of Trigema Corporation
In the heart of the 20th century, the German clothing company Trigema found itself deeply entwined with the political and economic decisions of the time. A recently published investigation sheds light on this period, revealing the company's involvement in events that deserve greater attention.
From 1933, Trigema participated in the "Adolf Hitler Donation of the German Economy," a move that marked the beginning of its association with the Nazi regime. This participation continued throughout the years leading up to and including World War II.
During this period, Trigema resorted to using prisoners of war and foreign forced laborers, including men and women from France and Slovenia. The exact circumstances of forced labor at Trigema during World War II have not yet been investigated separately, but the company's involvement is undeniable.
One of the most controversial episodes in Trigema's history is the forced sale of the Hermann Levy company in 1937. The sale was far below the company's actual value, a result of pressure from the Nazi state and its environment. This forced sale led to the disadvantage and expropriation of Jewish owners, a practice known as Aryanization.
The managing director of Trigema, Josef Mayer, joined the NSDAP in 1937, further reinforcing the company's ties to the Nazi regime. In 2020, the Grupp family, current owners of Trigema, commissioned an investigation into the company's past during the "Third Reich."
Neumann & Kamp Historical Projects was tasked with conducting an in-depth historical investigation into Trigema's activities and background during the National Socialist era. The results of this investigation were published on the company homepage, marking a significant step towards transparency.
Throughout this period, Trigema supplied clothing for the Wehrmacht and Nazi organizations like the SA. The currency reform of 1948 allowed the company to stabilize production and gradually reorient itself.
The family's initiative shows an effort to achieve transparency and a willingness to critically engage with the company's history. Transparency and a reflective reckoning with one's own past are essential steps towards responsibility in today's business environment. This investigation and transparency could contribute to strengthening public trust in the brand.
A later comparison with Alice Levy, in which a compensation payment was agreed in 1952, indicates a late recognition of the problematic takeover of the Hermann Levy company. This acknowledgement, combined with the recent investigation, demonstrates the family's commitment to righting past wrongs.
The processing of Trigema's history during the years 1930 to 1945 has been treated superficially on the company's website. However, the publication of the investigation results marks a significant shift towards a more comprehensive and honest portrayal of the company's past.
After the war, much of Trigema's machinery was confiscated, leading to a significant reduction in production. The currency reform of 1948 allowed the company to recover, but the shadow of its past actions lingered. The investigation and subsequent transparency efforts are a testament to the family's commitment to addressing this past and moving towards a brighter future.
