Dr. Martens to invest in Northampton factory site
Footwear brand Dr. Martens is to invest £2 million in its Northampton factory site with a view to launching a new visitor and heritage centre there.
As well as creating a space where Dr. Martens fans can experience the brand’s heritage and culture, the funding will be used to upgrade the manufacturing facilities so that production can be nearly doubled to up to 165,000 pairs a year.
Kenny Wilson, chief executive of Dr. Martens, said: “This investment demonstrates our ongoing commitment to Northampton and to upholding Dr. Martens’ distinguished brand heritage.
“We are really proud of our history and of our roots in Northampton – the city has played a huge role in the growth of our brand and we want people to be able to experience this.
“Today’s investment also highlights the success of our Made in England range and its continued popularity with our customers. We can’t wait to open our new visitor centre and welcome Dr. Martens fans, both new and old, through our doors.”
Dr. Martens’ Northampton factory was founded in 1901. The new visitor and heritage centre is expected to be a key attraction for both tourists and Dr. Martens fans. Visitors will be able to have a factory tour and visit an experience centre displaying memorabilia and a store selling Dr. Martens products that have been handmade in Northampton.
The centre is expected to open in the spring of next year.
