Global athletic wear company New Balance said Monday that is has completed and opened a $65 million expansion of its footwear factory in Skowhegan, Maine.
The Boston-based company said the 120,000-square expansion will double the factory’s production capacity. The New Balance Central Maine factory employs about about 400 workers, according to the company.
The factory is one of five facilities across New England that produces the company’s MADE footwear and clothing collection, manufactured in the country. New Balance prides itself as one of the only major athletic shoe manufacturers that has maintained factories in the US.
“US manufacturing has always been at the core of our company culture,” said Joe Preston, the company’s chief executive. “We believe that when we think global but act local, we can better serve the local communities where our associates live and work, while also enhancing our focus on the craftsmanship and quality integral to our global business.”
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Maine Senator Susan Collins celebrated the factory’s opening and said this shoemaking is part of the state’s culture and heritage. “Thanks to the dedicated New Balance team, it is also part of our future.”
Yogev Toby can be reached at yogev.toby@globe.com.