Dr. Martens to invest £2m at Northampton factory site

Dr. Martens has announced that it intends to invest £2m in its Northampton site.

The investment will include an upgrade to its manufacturing facilities to nearly double production to up to 165,000 pairs a year and includes plans to create a new visitor and heritage centre highlighting Dr. Martens’ history, heritage and connection to Northampton. The new visitor centre will bring people even closer to the iconic Dr. Martens brand.

Dr. Martens is to invest £2m to almost double production volumes & create a visitor centre / Picture: Airwair International

Dr. Martens’ Northampton factory was founded in 1901 and effortlessly exhibits Dr. Martens’ heritage, culture and core values of rebellion, durability, individuality and self-expression. The new visitor and heritage centre is expected to be a key attraction for tourists and DM fans. It will include a factory tour, a store selling iconic products handmade in Northampton and an experience centre displaying memorabilia. The site is expected to open in Spring 2020.

The investment marks Dr. Martens’ continued commitment to investing in its brand and heritage, its willingness to uphold its proud English roots and let people experience what goes into making each distinctive Dr. Martens shoe. It is also a sign of the continued success of Dr. Martens’ Made in England range, which is made on site and has seen significant growth over the past few years.

Kenny Wilson, CEO of Dr. Martens, 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. Today’s 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.”

The investment to double capacity demonstrates the success of Dr. Martens’ Made in England range, which continues to be manufactured in Northampton / Picture: Airwair International