August 31, 1999
BOSTON, August 31, 1999 - New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc., a globally recognized leader in the manufacture of high-performance athletic footwear and apparel announced today it has purchased the rights to the Dunham brand names from Iron Age Corporation of Pittsburgh, PA. New Balance, founded as an orthopedic shoe maker in 1906, is a leading manufacturer of width-sized athletic shoes.
Dunham, founded in Brattleboro, VT in 1885, and most recently located in Lewiston, ME, is a manufacturer and wholesaler of leather footwear, ranging from work boots to heavy logger boots. Jim Davis, Chairman and CEO of New Balance said, "This move combines the strengths of two New England companies. Both have rich heritages, reputations for high-quality products and enjoy loyal customer bases." Don Jensen, Chairman & CEO of Iron Age Corporation said, "The Iron Age organization shares the enthusiasm of Mr. Davis and New Balance. We look forward to expanding a supplier partnership through our Falcon Manufacturing division in Lewiston, ME. We are confident that the new home of the Dunham trademark will maintain its rich heritage and tradition for high quality footwear." Davis said that, with this move into what he called the performance boot industry, New Balance would initially continue its 33 styles of footwear under the Dunham brand. Current plans called for expanding the Dunham brand distribution geographically in the Fall of 1999.
The Dunham Brand will be managed as a separate Division of New Balance reporting to Executive Vice President Global Operations, Jim Tompkins. Joe Preston, Senior Product Manager for Running and Custom Products, has been promoted to the new position of Brand Manager, Dunham Bootmakers. Jerry Sweeney, Senior Product Manager for Casuals, has been appointed to the new position of Senior Product Manager, Dunham Bootmakers. In his announcement, Davis said, "This is a great day for the New England-base shoe industry.
It proves that there is vitality and growth in the domestic manufacture and marketing of quality footwear providing value and service to our customers." New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of technologically innovative, width-sized footwear and apparel for women, men and children. The range of product categories includes running, cross-training, walking, basketball, tennis, golf, kids, and casuals. The company employs more than 1600 people around the globe, and in 1997 reported worldwide revenue of million. With worldwide headquarters in Boston, the company has plants in Boston and Lawrence, MA and in Skowhegan, Norridgewock and Norway, ME.
