Investing in Innovation: OrthoLite Expands Its European Hub
OrthoLite is expanding its European hub, OrthoLite Europa (OEU).
This increased commitment in Europe, Ortholite said in a statement, furthers its global vertical integration strategy and investment in its owned and operated facilities. Ortholite also stated that it is continuing to bolster its manufacturing practices and consistencies throughout its manufacturing regions, which allows it “to assert near total control over its supply chain and production.”
Ortholite explained that the expansion of OEU will enhance “capacity, innovation and local-for-local insole production solutions” for its European brand partners, and continued investments into the latest technologies “will support manufacturing innovation, infrastructure, as well as capacity expansions and operational efficiencies.” Also, Ortholite stated the factory “will expand lean line production, add more automation and continually modernize the facility and tooling requirements.”
OEU is located in Almansa, Spain, which OrthoLite identified as the country’s “shoemaking capital” with “400 years of history in the artistry and trade of footwear.”
“Our commitment to invest in our global manufacturing footprint brings agility and reliability for OrthoLite’s brand partners and our T1 factory partners,” OrthoLite vice president of global operations Richard Bevan said in a statement. “Our factory in Spain is a crucial European hub for our EU-based partners. Our production demand continues to grow and we continue to build excellence in capacity, customer service, advancing technologies, and unmatched responsiveness as a strategic supply partner.”
OrthoLite stated it has “quadrupled capacity” for European Union footwear production in its Almansa facility since 2021, and OEU provides “greater production capacity,” as well as “artisan craftsmanship and specialization in leather-based solutions” for its regional partners. OEU, the insole manufacturer explained, is an asset when it comes to speed-to-market, and OrthoLite can deliver to any point in Europe from Spain within “two to four days.”
The facility, Ortholite explained, primarily serves Made in the EU production that targets fashion, luxury, dress, work, outdoor, trail, hike, comfort casual and athletic footwear brands with its insoles, as well as leather and other technical insole products.
OrthoLite has been the subject of several headlines as of late. For instance, it announced in June that it is the title sponsor of TransRockies Run for 2024. The TransRockies Run 2024, which is scheduled to take place August 12-17, is a multiday trail running race in Colorado that traverses the Continental Divide between Buena Vista and Beaver Creek.
Also, OrthoLite revealed a new midsole foam in April called Cirql rTPU30, which it stated is scalable and fully recyclable. OrthoLite said at the time that it believes this innovation will allow its brand partners to reach their climate and sustainability product goals.