By rssfeeds-admin According to the footwear company, Keen’s transition from its Portland facility was completed in April as part of a “planned shift” to its new U.S. factory in Shepherdsville, Kentucky, which will be fully operational by June.
As reported by The Wall Street Journal, Keen planned the move “long before,” President Donald Trump imposed global tariffs against U.S. trading partners.
“The decision to consolidate U.S. manufacturing in Kentucky was driven by both long-term strategic and operational advantages,” Keen said. “The new Shepherdsville facility is centrally located, placing the brand closer to several of its core suppliers and our U.S. distribution center. This will allow KEEN to reach 80% of its U.S. consumers within two days via ground shipping, helping the brand reduce both transportation costs and carbon emissions.”
“Operating from a single, scaled facility also allows KEEN to streamline operations, concentrate investments in advanced manufacturing technology, and reduce logistical complexity, all while staying true to its values of efficiency, sustainability, and responsible growth,” the company continued.
It is unclear how many jobs were affected by the Portland factory closure; however, Keen says the impact was “limited” adding, “several of the team members have relocated to Kentucky to continue in their roles.”
Keen said the company offered a comprehensive transition support package, which included relocation options, along with extended healthcare coverage, and career transition services to impacted employees.
While the manufacturing facility has moved out of state, the company says Keen’s Global Headquarters will stay in Portland.
“Portland continues to serve as a critical hub for KEEN’s product design, innovation, sales, operations, brand leadership teams, and community engagement efforts,” Keen said.
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