ECCO launches ECCO SHARK, pushing the boundaries of what can be done in production with direct injection. Even today, ECCO SHARK still stands out as a landmark in shoe design.

ECCO opens an advanced development tannery in Dongen in The Netherlands to ensure the future improvement and production of innovative premium leather.

In 2003, Karl Toosbuy decides to set up production in China. He believed the factory would enable ECCO to embed the brand in the consciousness of the vast Chinese market over a 10 to 20 year period.

In 2004, Karl Toosbuy, passed away (1928-2004). His daughter Hanni Toosbuy Kasprzak and her husband Dieter Kasprzak take over the management. To this day, ECCO is still owned by the Toosbuy family.