What's Happening?
On, a Swiss athletic company, is expanding its LightSpray technology by opening a new production facility near Busan, South Korea. This marks the company's second robot production facility worldwide, following the first in Zurich, Switzerland. The South Korean
factory will house 32 fully automated robots, significantly increasing On's global LightSpray production capacity by 30-fold in 2026. The expansion is part of On's strategy to scale its advanced manufacturing process globally, enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and performance in shoe production. The new facility will also debut the LightSpray Cloudmonster 3 Hyper shoe, with a limited release in North America on March 5 and a global launch on April 16.
Why It's Important?
The expansion of On's LightSpray technology is significant for the global footwear industry, as it represents a shift towards more sustainable and efficient manufacturing processes. By increasing production capacity, On aims to meet growing consumer demand while maintaining high-quality standards. The choice of South Korea, a leader in robotics and automation, underscores the strategic importance of the region in On's global expansion plans. This move could set a precedent for other companies in the industry to adopt similar technologies, potentially leading to broader changes in manufacturing practices and supply chain management.
What's Next?
On plans to continue its global expansion by establishing LightSpray factories in nearshore locations worldwide, including the Americas and Europe. As production scales, the company intends to explore applications of LightSpray technology in other product categories beyond footwear. This could lead to new product launches and innovations in the coming years, further solidifying On's position as a leader in sustainable manufacturing. The company's strategic focus on automation and robotics may also influence industry trends, encouraging other brands to invest in similar technologies.
