By Jaclyn Allison
BUFORD, Ga. | Okabashi Brands Inc., a third-generation family-owned and woman-led shoe company, will renovate their 100,000-square-foot facility, creating approximately 340 new jobs and $20 million in capital investment over the next five years. The facility, located at 4823 Roy Carlson Boulevard in Buford, will accommodate new manufacturing lines, increasing production by 100 percent.
Irvani
Chief Executive Officer Sara Irvani says: “Okabashi Brand’s commitment to our community and its people is one that dates back to the 1980s when my grandfather chose to bring his footwear manufacturing background to Georgia. The support from our community has fostered our growth and has allowed us to continue producing quality American-made footwear. We are thrilled to be contributing to the local economy through this expansion.”
Comprising just one percent of footwear manufacturers who remain in the United States, Okabashi Brands Inc. have sold more than 35 million pairs of shoes since 1984.
With a commitment to community, Okabashi Brands Inc. have donated more than 100,000 pairs of shoes for disaster survivors, frontline workers and veterans worldwide. They have also partnered with Soles4Souls, a nonprofit that distributes donated clothing and shoes to disaster survivors and micro-entrepreneurs trying to escape poverty, for more than 10 years.
Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson says that: “Okabashi Brands epitomizes the Gwinnett Standard, excelling in integrity, service and stewardship. We appreciate their commitment to philanthropy, sustainability and most importantly, supporting our vibrant community.”
As an eco-friendly company, Okabashi Brands Inc. uses bio-based BPA-, latex-, phthalate and rubber-free material with 45 percent soy by weight and closed-loop manufacturing, resulting in 100 percent recyclable shoes. Their American-made material and manufacturing process saves approximately 100 tons of scrap material from filling landfills and 134,000 gallons of fuel on overseas transportation every year. They also offer a recycling program for their customers, offering a 15 percent coupon to those who return their worn shoes.
Buford City Manager Bryan Kerlin adds: “Okabashi Brands shares our values for community engagement and environmental stewardship. Their growth will continue to make the City of Buford a desirable place to live and do business.”
Okabashi Brands Inc. recently received the Corporate Citizen Award for their community involvement, educational partnerships and workforce development at the Partnership Gwinnett Movers and Makers: Manufacturing and Supply Chain Awards in April. They also won the Medium Manufacturer of the Year Award in 2018.
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