SKOWHEGAN — New Balance celebrated the opening of its newly expanded Central Maine factory Monday, a project expected to bring hundreds of new jobs and boost the local economy.

The $65 million expansion adds 120,000 square feet to the Walnut Street facility, where the company has been making athletic footwear since 1981. New Balance says the expansion will double production to a million pairs of shoes each year and create 200 new jobs.

“It was June of 2023 when we came together to break ground on the expansion of this factory,” said Joe Preston, New Balance president and CEO.

Sen. Brad Farrin, R-Somerset, said the project is a major investment in the local economy.

“Well, first of all, the investment of the $65 million and the associates here in the product is huge, right? For our loc

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