Sneaker company New Balance has announced plans to bring operations to 596 Lowell St., Methuen. (File photograph)
New Balance is expanding its brand footprint in the Merrimack Valley with the footwear giant entering into conversations with the city of Methuen to open an advanced manufacturing division on Lowell Street.
Discussions are preliminary, but according to Methuen Mayor James P. Jajuga, the partnership seems promising.
“Having a great Massachusetts company like New Balance Athletics see the value of expanding their manufacturing footprint here in Methuen is a win for our city. Not only will this new facility bring millions of dollars of investment, it will, most importantly, create jobs. These are the opportunities that will…improve the fiscal health of our city,” Jajuga said in a statement issued this week.
The Boston-based footwear company is currently negotiating a zoning revision with Methuen’s City Council and Community Development Board in order to move the project forward, Jajuga said.
The outpost at 596 Lowell St., would also include research and development and 3-D printing teams. According to New Balance spokeswoman Amy Dow, the location is expected to commence operations within the next 18 months.