Poly Labs recently joined the United States Footwear Manufacturers Association (USFMA) as a manufacturing member. Founded in 1986, the USFMA aims to defend the domestic manufacturing of footwear through fair trade, strong manufacturing policies, and programs that protect the industrial base.
We are honored to be welcomed into the United States Footwear Manufacturers Association. The USFMA mission is to enhance the footwear industry’s manufacturing base in the United States. It supports an industry that employs over 12,000 workers. USFMA members consist of domestic footwear manufacturers and suppliers. The members range from rubber, plastic and other manufacturing members, to major United States supplier members.
On March 1st, 2021, Dan Keeley, Vice President of Business Development attended the USFMA’s annual spring meeting.
“Poly Labs is super excited to announce our membership into the United States Footwear Manufacturers Association (USFMA). We experienced a very warm welcome from the group during the Spring meeting where we were allotted time to present Poly Labs DoD capabilities. We are looking forward to working diligently to assist and wholeheartedly agree with USFMA’s mission to defend the domestic manufacturing of footwear and to protect and expand the Berry Amendment which requires the military and other uniformed federal employees to wear U.S. manufactured footwear.“
About USFMA
The nonprofit trade organization promotes policies that protect and expand the domestic footwear manufacturing industry. As such, the USFMA seeks to protect and expand the Berry Amendment, in addition to other federal statutes and policies that require our military and other uniformed federal employees to wear domestically manufactured footwear.
Poly Labs: Our Capabilities & History
In addition to footwear, Poly Labs supplies other key components to our nation’s military. Poly Labs utilizes its expertise in impact protection, footwear product development, material analysis and polyurethane R&D to supply a range of polyurethane, TPU, TPE and TPR components and materials. Our products range from rugged combat boot outsoles, to tactical helmet inserts, communication device components, and beyond.
The team at Poly Labs understands the military’s requirements for domestically sourced, shock absorbing, static dissipating and impact protection materials. We design our polyurethane products specifically with that in mind. Our materials and components are sourced right here, in the United States.
Poly Labs footwear roots date back to 1882, when the Auburn Last Company was founded in Auburn, Maine – the twin city of Lewiston, home to Poly Labs headquarters. Jones & Vining acquired Auburn Last Company in 1965. With the 2021 J&V acquisition, spinoff, and launch – the new Maine-based ownership group and the Poly Labs team want to ensure that this operation continues for another 140+ years.
As a company located in Maine, we have a longstanding history and deep understanding of the footwear industry. Maine is home to dozens of footwear manufacturing plants and shoe brands. We’re excited to share our experiences as a footwear component manufacturer with the rest of the association. Similarly, we look forward to gaining knowledge from our partners within the USFMA. The association provides a voice for organizations like Poly Labs – and for that, we are grateful.
To learn more about the United States Footwear Manufacturers Association, please visit their website.
To learn more about Poly Labs joining the USFMA, please email us at sales@polylabs.biz.