8 • Footwear Insight ~ March/April 2021 footwearinsight.com
By Suzanne Blecher
I
n January, Keen announced that it
would be increasing its Portland,
OR, production by 26 percent, driven
by strong demand for its American
Built utility boots. Erik Burbank,
VP of Keen Effect commented
that "American Built for American
workers is resonating with our fans, while
the reception for US built premium hikers
is equally strong."
The company has also made recent
investments in the Portland factory in the
area of robotics for quality assurance and
efficiency.
Keen also announced an expanded
relationship with Nester Hosiery, a partner
of 14 years, to develop, manufacture and
distribute new outdoor, work and everyday
designs for women's, men's and kids Keen
Casual and Keen Utility brands. "We are really
excited to continue producing socks for Keen
in our North Carolina factory," Nester Hosiery
CEO Kelly Nester noted, adding, "we think
that the consumer sees higher value in a US
manufactured product." n
Keen Expands its Made in USA Commitment
STRATEGY
Keen is investing in its Portland factory and increasing production there.
THE FOOTWEAR EYE
