Just Style

Jobs at risk as Nike foam supplier offshores production

UK footwear foam manufacturer Zotefoams, which supplies global brands including Nike, has reportedly entered a consultation phase which could see 100 jobs at risk as it looks to offshore production to Vietnam.

Campaign group GMB alleges Zotefoams, based in Croydon in the UK, is transferring footwear manufacturing to South East Asia and, as a result, is slashing 100 jobs.

Zotefoams declined to comment when approached by Just Style.

The company, which increased profits last year, has been operating in Croydon for more than 90 years.

Zotefoams recorded revenue of £158.5m, up 7% year on year in its latest set of financial results.

Helen O'Connor, GMB membership development officer, said: "Zotefoams is not a failing company. They increased profits last year by 34 per cent. "Despite this, they are abandoning the workers in Croydon who are responsible for this success.

“The workers now face the threat of redundancy and production moving to Vietnam.

"These are high-quality manufacturing jobs – the type the country is crying out for.

“Some people have worked there for many years, yet the employer is making them redundant with the bare minimum redundancy package.

"GMB calls on the business to rethink their plans and keep the jobs in Croydon. We will demand the government and local politicians step in to stop these job losses."