Balega International expects to source 15 percent of its performance socks from the United States thanks to a new partnership with a Hickory, NC manufacturer.
Balega was founded in South Africa but established its U.S. headquarters in Hickory in 2003 to be closer to take advantage of the state’s long history of producing some of the best performance yarns and fibers in the world. A year ago, the company partnered with an unidentified hosiery company in Hickory to begin producing its socks in the United States.
Balega moved its U.S. headquarters to Raleigh, NC this year after being acquired by Implus Corp., which owns a variety of footwear and outdoor accessory brands.
Balega plans to continue making the rest of its sock at a facility in Cape Town, South Africa using U.S. performance yarns.
“Moving some of our production to the U.S. is the start of monumental growth for Balega and the opportunity to produce domestically right here in NC,” said Tanya Pictor, VP Marketing at Balega. “Balega will always have its roots in South Africa, but by partnering with a local manufacturer we are closing the circle, so to speak, by being a true U.S./South African initiative!”
In the United Statess, Balega socks are sold primarily through specialty running, outdoor, cycling and sporting goods stores.
