Defense Logistics Agency Leadership Visits Vibram USA's Quabaug Manufacturing Plant Highlighting Partnership With Industry

NORTH BROOKFIELD, Mass., Sept. 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of his ongoing effort to partner with industry leaders, Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Director Vice Admiral Mark Harnitchek and his senior staff visited Quabaug Corporation, the U.S. manufacturing partner of Vibram, USA. As DLA Director, Harnitchek oversees the acquisition and supply of commodities, clothing, textiles, and other equipment for the Department of Defense. Vibram is recognized worldwide as the leader in high performance soles for outdoor, recreational, work and fashion footwear and is relied on by the world's greatest climbers and athletes. In addition, Vibram is the only U.S. manufacturer providing high-performance soling products to all branches of the United States Military.

During his visit, Vice Admiral Harnitchek was provided an overview of the spectrum of products manufactured in North Brookfield, MA including soling for combat boots, military dress shoes, jungle boots, and the new domestically manufactured athletic training shoes. Joined by Quabaug Corporation CEO Kevin Donahue and Vibram USA Vice President Bill Ells, Harnitchek toured the manufacturing plant and company development laboratories to see the advanced manufacturing processes used by Vibram to build their world class products.

Vibram USA Vice President Bill Ells said, "We appreciate Vice Admiral Harnitchek's interest in learning more about the products manufactured in North Brookfield that directly support our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines. Every man and woman who serves our nation in the military wears a Vibram sole, and we are pleased to reaffirm our commitment to the Armed Services, especially on today's solemn anniversary. On behalf of our employees, I thank Vice Admiral Harnitchek for DLA's support of our domestic manufacturing."

At the conclusion of the tour, Harnitchek addressed a gathering of Quabaug employees, including a large number of military veterans. The Vice Admiral's remarks touched on the critical importance of the employees' work manufacturing the most essential component of any military ensemble. He reflected on the added significance of this work on the 13^th anniversary of the September 11^th attack on the United States.

About Quabaug Corporation and Vibram

In 1964, Vibram forged a partnership with Quabaug to meet the demands of the North American market for production in the USA. Despite increasing competition from overseas production facilities, the partnership has not only lasted but flourished for fifty years and continues to create innovative footwear technology. 

Founded in 1916 Quabaug began as a manufacturer of floor tiles, baby carriage tires, hockey pucks and a general line of mechanical rubber goods. The company has a 70-year history in the manufacture of soling for footwear and has been instrumental in manufacturing soles for the military from World War II and on.  Located in North Brookfield, Massachusetts, Quabaug Corporation employs 250 people and manufactures Vibram® shoe soling, QuaBoing® resilient rubber surfacing, Vibram Disc Golf products, and shoe repair products.

Headquartered in northern Italy with US offices based in Concord, Mass., Vibram is recognized worldwide as the leader in high performance soles for outdoor, recreational, work and fashion footwear and is relied on by the world's greatest climbers and athletes. In 2006, Vibram introduced its first finished product: Vibram FiveFingers, a revolutionary and patented toe shoe and an unrivaled alternative to conventional footwear. Vibram is a registered trademark of Vibram S.p.A of Italy. Visit www.vibram.com or www.vibramfivefingers.com for more information.

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SOURCE Vibram USA