Heritage British footwear brand Clarks is set to create 80 jobs as it returns its manufacturing operation to the UK.
A new manufacturing unit is set to be opened in Clark‘s Somerset headquarters, where it started 200 years ago, where it will produce the brands iconic Desert Boot.
Although the retailer said it would continue to source its flagship Desert Boot from its supply chain in India and Vietnam, its new robot-assisted facility will be able to produce 300,000 pairs a year.
Clarks is also poised to expand production across US, Europe and Asia with similar facilities over the next few years.
It plans to implement infrastructure allowing faster response to global trends and consumer demand.
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“We are delighted to be bringing shoe manufacturing back to the UK and creating a significant number of highly skilled jobs,” chief executive Mike Shearwood said.
“Clarks is changing and as a global business we need to innovate and respond to the changing global economic order – Clarks is thinking big and innovating to ensure we are fit for the future and at the forefront of shoemaking, whilst being able to adapt to an ever-changing world.”
“The 21st century craftsmanship that we are introducing will also lead to and encourage innovation in shoe design. It will be transformative to the process of how we design and develop shoes.”
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