Vibram Sole Maker to Invest Expand Plant in Wake of DOD Ruling

22 May Vibram Sole Maker to Invest Expand Plant in Wake of DOD Ruling

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Vibram sole manufacturer Quabaug has announced plans to invest $1.2 million in its of North Brookfield, MA plant as a result of a recent ruling by the Department of Defense mandating that all new military recruits must purchase domestically manufactured athletic trainers.

“This is a rebirth of an era of athletic shoe production in New England that ended over 30 years ago,” explained President and CEO Mike Gionfriddo at a May 16 gala event celebrating 50 years of Vibram sole production. “Every man and woman who serves our country wears a shoe with a Vibram sole and now we can finally extend this to their athletic training footwear.”

As the only North American sole manufacturer, Vibram, and Quabaug are looking forward to producing soles for a number of U.S. brands, such as New England based athletic footwear companies including New Balance and Saucony.

VIP speakers and attendees included: Congressman Jim McGovern; State Senator Stephen Brewer; Lieutenant Colonel Brian Greata, Garrison Commander of the Natick Soldier Systems Center; Jeremiah Thompson, Western MA Regional Director for Senator Elizabeth Warren; Governor Deval Patrick’s Western Representative Elizabeth Cardona with a Governor’s Citation; Chairman of the Board of Selectman Bob Smith of North Brookfield with a proclamation; Selectwoman Mary Walter and Selectman Eric Hevy.