New Balance

Here’s a look back at 10 stories that shaped 2025, starting with a photo essay by photographer Tim Greenway from the 2025 Mainebiz Fact Book.

Boston-based New Balance athletic footwear manufacturer has just completed a 120,000-square-foot expansion to its Skowhegan factory.  

Boston-based New Balance has just completed a $65 million, 120,000-square-foot addition to its athletic footwear factory in Skowhegan.  

Recipients include a summer camp program to help teens attain leadership skills and an initiative providing consistent access to nutritious food for students and their families.

The 6-foot-9 power forward, widely expected to be the No. 1 pick in the next NBA draft, has signed on as a brand representative for the international sports apparel company. Terms were not disclosed but the deal is likely worth millions.

The factory in Norridgewock will permanently close as New Balance consolidates the operations at its recently expanded facility, 6 miles away.

Strategies include developing career pathways and apprenticeship programs in sectors from food and agriculture to outdoor recreation.

The donation is the second major gift by the Boston-based sports apparel company, which has three factories in Maine.

Karen Coombs, an Army veteran, has worked for companies including Amazon Robotics and New Balance.

Once New Balance's Skowhegan factory is expanded, by the end of 2024, it will be on pace to make 1 million pairs of shoes a year. The shoe manufacturer will add 200 employees, giving it nearly 1,000 statewide.