Nike partners automotive design firm to ‘revolutionise' footwear manufacturing
15/10/2015
It claims the project will enable footwear to reach consumers more quickly, with customised solutions and increased performance, and will bring manufacturing “closer to major markets”.
It has been developing technologies to enhance its manufacturing business model for the past few years with investments in automation, modernisation, sustainability, and new methods of manufacturing such as Flyknit.
Nike’s chief operating officer, Eric Sprunk, said: “Flex’s proven expertise in design, engineering and manufacturing in industries like automotive, medical and consumer electronics make them a perfect partner to help us revolutionize footwear manufacturing. Together, the future of personalised, rapidly-delivered product that is made more efficiently and with less waste is well under way.”
Nike is working with Flex at its California-based innovation campus, testing automation techniques and “new ways of making shoes”. Flex will be undertaking a product customization programme near Nike’s Memphis distribution centre.
Nike says a “phased approach to testing, developing and creating new methods of production will enable it to develop an eco-system of suppliers and vendors to support long-term, sustainable manufacturing closer to major markets”.
Image: Nike Flyknit Trainer Chukka
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