According to Clarks the new manufacturing facility, based in Street, will have the capacity to produce 300 000 pairs of the retailer's iconic Desert Boots. For the first time "robot-assisted" technology will be used in specific shoe constructions.

With this new investment in the hometown of Clarks, where the company was founded nearly 2 centuries ago, up to 80 technical and managerial jobs are expected to be created.

Desert Boots are currently made in Asia (Vietnam and India) and Clarks is expected to continue sourcing its range of products from its existing supply chain. The footwear company plans to set out similar production units in other locations across the US, Europe and Asia in the next few years.

The overall idea seems to be the creation of a global network of regional supply chains that works as a complement of the current sourcing network. This will allow the company to respond more quickly to changing trends and consumer demand.