Immigrant Began Making Shoes in 1905

Some facts about Red Wing Shoe Co.:

* Founded: 1905 by German immigrant Charles H. Beckman

* CEO: Bill Sweasy Jr., third generation of Sweasy family to head the privately held company

* Sales: Estimated at $293 million in 1996 (about 15% international)

* Employment: Shoe manufacturing, 2,000; tannery, 400; St. James Hotel, 150

* Factories: Red Wing, Minn. (2); Potosi, Mo.; Danville, Ky.

* Product: Work shoes and boots for men and women

* Major brands: Red Wing, Irish Setter (introduced 1948), Vasque (introduced 1965, made overseas); Worx brand now in test markets

* U.S. sales: By 4,200 Red Wing dealers, about 400 Red Wing Shoe Stores (half company owned) and 1,800 Vasque dealers

* International sales: Through distributors in more than 100 countries

* Retail price: $90 to $250

* Lowest price: 99 cents for one style of work boot sold in 1929