New Balance, on Monday, officially opened its athletic footwear factory in Methuen, MA. The 80,000-square-foot facility, which underwent a $20 million renovation, began production in January 2022.
“Manufacturing has always been an important part of our company culture,” said Joe Preston, New Balance president and CEO. “Our associates have proven that high-quality athletic footwear can be produced in the U.S. Their skilled craftsmanship and dedication to continuous improvement will help us meet our significant U.S. and global consumer demand and drive our continued business growth.”
The factory currently employs more than 90 associates producing the brand’s MADE 990v5 running shoe, with plans to more than double the current workforce and production capabilities by the end of the year.
“We believe our commitment to domestic manufacturing drives innovation, capitalizes on consumer trends and provides new market opportunities,” said Dave Wheeler, New Balance chief operating officer. “The opening of NB Methuen significantly expands our owned manufacturing capacity and furthers our efforts to have a best-in-class value chain.”
“The opening of New Balance’s facility here in Methuen is a signal to folks across the Merrimack Valley that good-paying domestic manufacturing jobs aren’t just a thing of the past. Rather, as we emerge from the pandemic, this new factory is a sign that right here in the birthplace of America’s Industrial Revolution, these family-sustaining jobs are here to stay,” said Congresswoman Lori Trahan. “I’m proud to help welcome New Balance to Methuen where the company will continue its long history of producing products that are Made in America and help spur economic growth across our entire region.”
“By expanding its footprint in the Merrimack Valley, New Balance is affirming its status as a cornerstone Massachusetts-based company, building on its strong history of producing products and creating jobs here in the Commonwealth,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Our administration has been proud to partner with New Balance to promote economic growth and create more manufacturing employment opportunities in the region.”
“We are pleased to congratulate New Balance on its newest facility here in Methuen, and appreciate the company’s commitment to growing in Massachusetts,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “The manufacturing jobs at the Methuen facility demonstrate that manufacturing production is a strong part of the Commonwealth’s economy, and we look forward to New Balance’s continued commitment to the region.”
Including NB Methuen, New Balance owns five manufacturing facilities in Maine and Massachusetts where approximately 1,000 U.S. workers prepare, cut and mold athletic shoe materials and components and then sew, press and assemble into the final product.
“The City of Methuen has worked side-by-side with New Balance to see this opportunity come to fruition, and we will continue our partnership efforts to make this relationship viable for both the City and New Balance as we move forward,” said Methuen Mayor Neil Perry. “We are excited to welcome New Balance to Methuen.”
New Balance MADE footwear that is produced in the U.S. contains a domestic value of 70 percent or more and makes up a limited portion of New Balance’s U.S. sales. New Balance is the only major athletic shoe manufacturer that has maintained factories in the United States.
Photo courtesy New Balance
