This is the New Balance Sports Research Lab. This facility is just one year old and is filled with the latest and greatest equipment in biomechanic research. New Balance utilizes the super smart fellas who run this lab to assess how athletes perform in New Balance Shoes, how the shoes hold up over time, and how New Balance athletic shoes compare to others on the market. The guys measure everything from the lateral movement of a basketball player cutting across court to the degree of overpronation in a distance runner. This facility is also used to assess how apparel and shoes can be improved to provide greater temperature control and body heat regulation.
The New Balance plant is in an old textile mill and has a fabulous, historical feel with the latest and greatest in modern technology. Within one plant we met the individuals designing the shoes, the folks testing the shoes, and the employees who actually construct the shoes. The entire facility was filled with workers who seemed very passionate and enthusiastic about doing their jobs. The factory portion of the plan has undergone considerably improvements with the assistance of consultants from Toyota, who have assisted New Balance Inc. in eliminating waste and improving productivity and effectiveness in the workplace.
New Balance Inc. pride themselves on employing American workers. In addition, they pride themselves on providing a safe and productive work environment. From start to finish it was evident that New Balance has the ability to find the right people for the right jobs, and then to assist these individuals in developing within those positions. It was a fabulous experience to see the energy, thought, and care that goes into every aspect of the shoes that we put on people’s feet. And it was encouraging to learn that throughout the shoe development process people are as excited about helping folks to find FIT as we are here at Fleet Feet Sports!
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