New Balance is expanding its footprint in Maine, and adding 200 new jobs to its factory in Skowhegan, where 270 people already work.
Maine Governor Janet Mills, along with Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, attended the recent groundbreaking for the 14-month, $65 million expansion project for the Boston-based sneaker company.
New Balance Chief Operating Officer Dave Wheeler said, “New jobs mean more skills training, so workforce development now and over the coming years is essential for our ongoing success."
The political leaders lauded the company's commitment to domestic manufacturing. Collins said, "You kept the ‘Made in the USA’ label alive and thriving." The company also employs 470 people at two other Maine factories, in Norway and Norridgewock.
The expanded Skowhegan factory will be able to produce more than a million pairs of sneakers a year.