New Balance breaks ground on Londonderry site

“The granite state is known for its strong economy and skilled workforce, and we look forward to New Balance Londonderry being an integral part of our growing domestic factory base,” said Joe Preston, New Balance president & CEO. “This new factory will help us meet our significant US and global consumer demand and drive future business opportunities that showcase our longstanding pride in American craftsmanship and innovation.”

New Balance’s $70 million investment in the factory will add more than 150 jobs at the 102,000-square-foot single-story building that is planned to begin production in 2025.  The addition of NB Londonderry reflects the company’s pride in American craftsmanship, its significant investments in innovation and machinery, and its integration of lean manufacturing processes to enable a demand driven and responsive Made US supply network.

“With business and innovation flourishing in New Hampshire, we are excited to break ground in Londonderry for our sixth US athletic footwear factory,” said Dave Wheeler, New Balance chief operating officer.  “Our relentless focus on manufacturing innovation and growing our US footwear manufacturing footprint are two of the most important strategic initiatives we've sustained at New Balance and reflect the core of our culture.”

“We are thrilled to welcome New Balance to New Hampshire,” said governor Chris Sununu. “We work hard to create a healthy environment for businesses, and granite staters feel the results: millions of dollars in investment, hundreds of jobs, and a sense of pride buying products made right here in New Hampshire. The granite state is open for business!”

The NB Londonderry expansion design, engineering and construction is being managed by Consigli Construction, the company said in a press release.

New Balance currently employs more than 1,500 manufacturing associates across its three Maine factories in Norridgewock, Norway, and Skowhegan and its two Massachusetts factories in Lawrence and Methuen.  The company’s US workers prepare, cut, and mold athletic shoe materials and components and then sew, press, and assemble them into the final product.

New Balance is also proactively working to innovate and expand its domestic supplier network for its Made US footwear as well as drive new automation and robotics opportunities to enhance associate safety and ergonomics and increase productivity.

New Balance Made footwear that is produced in the US contains a domestic value of 70 per cent or more and makes up a limited portion of New Balance’s US sales. New Balance is the only major athletic shoe manufacturer that has maintained factories in the United States.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)