Among the key initiatives for 2018 will be producing 100,000 pairs of 3D printed footwear through the Carbon technology partnership and the ramping up of production at the two Speedfactories in Germany and the U.S., the Big a told investors at the Deutsche Bank conference. It added that while it remained heavily dependent on Asia for sourcing right now, it remained committed to new manufacturing technologies that could ultimately temper that dependence.

Asia still produces some 97% of the company’s current sneaker production, which rose to 403 million from 360 million the prior year. Vietnam is its largest single source now ... Log in to view full article.