Jan Matzeliger

Jan Matzeliger was an inventor of Suriname and the United States known for creating a revolutionary shoe manufacturing technology. In 1883, he developed the lasting machine, which automated the process of attaching the upper part of a shoe to the sole. This innovation drastically increased shoe production speed, lowered costs, and helped make shoes more affordable. His invention was a key step toward modern shoe manufacturing and significantly impacted the industry, paving the way for mass production. Matzeliger's work is celebrated as a major contribution to industrial progress and innovation in manufacturing processes.