New Balance backs plea to source military’s sports shoes from US
26/04/2013
The agreement states that clothing and equipment used by the US military should be manufactured in the country rather than imported, where possible. If the agreement is extended, it will benefit New Balance as it is the only sportswear group to manufacture footwear in the US.
"We can increase American footwear manufacturing jobs at no cost to the federal government simply by your directing the Department of Defence to align its athletic footwear procurement policies to those it has already adopted for other footwear, such as combat boots, service shoes, and other uniform items," said the senators in a joint statement.
US-made footwear was previously covered under the rules, but during the last 11 years, military personnel receive a cash allowance to purchase the athletic footwear of their choice regardless of where it is manufactured.
The cash allowances for athletic shoes are valued at about $15 million annually, which surpasses the minimum acquisition threshold of $150,000 that triggers compliance under the Berry Amendment. The Defence Logistics Agency has awarded more than $36 million since October 2012 to domestic companies for other footwear such as combat boots and shoes.
Matt LeBretton, director of public affairs for New Balance, said: "Our industry has come together to request that the DOD simply follow their own rules and allow for a competitive environment where companies that are committed to manufacturing in the United States are encouraged to do so. We are hopeful that the administration will correct this inequity and support domestic manufacturers."
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