New Balance Breaks Ground on New Hampshire Manufacturing Facility

LONDONDERRY, NEW HAMPSHIRE (November 20, 2023) – Boston-based New Balance broke ground at the future site of New Balance Londonderry as the company adds New Hampshire to its New England locations for its sixth U.S. athletic footwear manufacturing facility. 

“The Granite State is known for its strong economy and skilled workforce, and we look forward to New Balance Londonderry being an integral part of our growing domestic factory base,” says Joe Preston, New Balance President & CEO.  “This new factory will help us meet our significant U.S. and global consumer demand and drive future business opportunities that showcase our longstanding pride in American craftsmanship and innovation.”

New Balance’s $70 million investment in the factory will add more than 150 jobs at the 102,000-square-foot single-story building that is planned to begin production in 2025.  The addition of NB Londonderry reflects the company’s pride in American craftsmanship, its significant investments in innovation and machinery and its integration of lean manufacturing processes to enable a demand driven and responsive MADE US supply network. 

“With business and innovation flourishing in New Hampshire, we are excited to break ground in Londonderry for our sixth U.S. athletic footwear factory,” says Dave Wheeler, New Balance Chief Operating Officer. “Our relentless focus on manufacturing innovation and growing our U.S. footwear manufacturing footprint are two of the most important strategic initiatives we’ve sustained at New Balance and reflects the core of our culture.”

“We are thrilled to welcome New Balance to New Hampshire,” said New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu. “We work hard to create a healthy environment for businesses, and Granite Staters feel the results: millions of dollars in investment, hundreds of jobs, and a sense of pride buying products made right here in New Hampshire. The Granite State is open for business!”

“As New Balance breaks ground on a new manufacturing plant in Londonderry, we celebrate yet another new beginning on Pettengill Road and the Greater Manchester region,” said New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen. “This new facility will create good jobs in the community, boost the local economy and strengthen New Hampshire’s reputation as a first-rate business destination.” 

The NB Londonderry expansion design, engineering and construction is being managed by Consigli Construction.

“New Balance’s new manufacturing facilities represent an exciting opportunity for Londonderry and our entire state,” said New Hampshire Senator Maggie Hassan.  “Our state’s entrepreneurial spirit has always made New Hampshire a great place to open or expand a business, and I look forward to seeing how New Balance’s expansion will help grow our economy.”

New Balance currently employs more than 1,500 manufacturing associates across its three Maine factories in Norridgewock, Norway, and Skowhegan and its two Massachusetts factories in Lawrence and Methuen.  The company’s U.S. workers prepare, cut, and mold athletic shoe materials and components and then sew, press, and assemble them into the final product. 

“I’m thrilled to welcome New Balance to Londonderry with the start of construction on its first-ever athletic shoe manufacturing facility in the Granite State,” said New Hampshire Congressman Chris Pappas. “New Balance has a long and proud history of making products in America and here in New England, and today’s groundbreaking marks the start of the next chapter in that legacy. As a small business owner, and member of the House Committee on Small Business, I remain committed to bolstering domestic manufacturing, strengthening New Hampshire’s economy, and fostering economic strong growth and job creation.”

New Balance is also proactively working to innovate and expand its domestic supplier network for its MADE US footwear as well as drive new automation and robotics opportunities to enhance associate safety and ergonomics and increase productivity.

“This project will bring hundreds of jobs, and millions of dollars in new tax revenue, to Londonderry. Adjacent to the Manchester Boston Regional Airport, Londonderry’s Pettengill Road area is one of the state’s economic engines. The commercial and industrial activity here is crucial to a healthy tax base and is a boon to every Londonderry taxpayer,” says Londonderry Town Manager Mike Malaguti.  “Instead of offshoring all its manufacturing as so many companies have done, New Balance has leaned into American manufacturing. Londonderry proudly welcomes New Balance to the community.”

New Balance MADE footwear that is produced in the U.S. contains a domestic value of 70% 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.