Dr. Martens to invest 2 million pounds in factory

British heritage footwear brand Dr. Martens has announced that it is to invest 2 million pounds in its Northampton factory, signalling its “continued commitment" to the home of the brand.

The investment will allow Dr. Martens to create a new visitor and heritage centre, as well as upgrade the manufacturing facilities to double the factory’s production to 165,000 pairs a year.

It is hoped that the visitor and heritage centre will be a key attraction for the area for tourists and Dr. Martens fans and will allow the brand to exhibit its “heritage, culture and core values of rebellion, durability, individuality and self-expression,” added the fashion company in a statement.

It will also include a factory tour, a store selling iconic products handmade in Northampton and an experience centre displaying memorabilia.

Dr. Martens chief executive, Kenny Wilson, said: "This investment demonstrates our ongoing commitment to Northampton and to upholding Dr. Martens’ distinguished brand heritage. We are really proud of our history and of our roots in Northampton – the city has played a huge role in the growth of our brand and we want people to be able to experience this.

“This investment also highlights the success of our ‘Made in England’ range and its continued popularity with our customers. We can’t wait to open our new visitor centre and welcome Dr. Martens fans, both new and old, through our doors.”

Dr. Martens’ Northampton factory was founded in 1901 and the brand note that this investment signals its continued commitment to investing in its brand and heritage, as well as its “upholding its proud English roots” by letting people experience what goes in to making each distinctive Dr. Martens shoe.

The new site is expected to open in spring 2020.