Two major European footwear brands, Lowa and Ecco, are set to close their manufacturing sites in Slovakia this summer.
Danish footwear company Ecco will shut down its factory in the northern Slovakian town of Martin by July and August. The closure is part of Ecco’s broader strategy to reorganise its global production network in response to declining market demand.
Over its operational lifespan, the Martin facility has manufactured more than 50 million pairs of shoes for international markets. Approximately 650 employees will be affected, though the company has confirmed that its retail operations in Slovakia will continue unchanged.
German brand Lowa, owned by Italy’s Tecnica Group, will also cease production at its Handlová facility on August 31. The company stated that the decision followed an internal review of its industrial structure aimed at improving efficiency.
The number of employees affected has not been disclosed, but Tecnica Group has indicated that it is working with local partners to support the workforce, including offering relocation options.
These closures mark a significant shift for Slovakia’s footwear industry, which has long benefited from foreign direct investment and integrated supply chains across Europe.
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