Sportswear brand On launches South Korea robot factory to tackle supply chain risk

Sportswear brand On Running has opened a factory in Busan, South Korea using robots to make running shoes and plans more robot factories in the United States and Europe as it tries to speed up manufacturing ‌and delivery, the ⁠company ⁠said on Wednesday.

Tariff hikes imposed by the United States, supply chain disruptions and geopolitical risks are driving some retailers and brands to explore “nearshoring” manufacturing, or bringing it closer to the end consumer.