Strong Growth And Increased Demand Brings Positive Changes For KEEN Utility™

KEEN Utility Unveils New Office and Opens Dedicated Warehouse Facility for its Industrial and Service Footwear

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Dec 08, 2015, 08:00 ET

PORTLAND, Ore., Dec. 8, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- KEEN Inc. completes its fifth record-breaking year with two major moves to support the unprecedented growth of the KEEN Utility™ footwear division. The investments include new KEEN Utility offices and category-specific warehouse facilities established to enhance the brand experience and inspire innovative footwear design for fans and retail partners.

KEEN Utility launched in 2010 and quickly earned a following for its outdoor-inspired safety footwear. With signature KEEN fit and style, and fully loaded with features including left and right asymmetrical safety toes, ASTM-rated non-slip outsoles and KEEN's Million Step Comfort midsole, KEEN Utility products transition seamlessly from work to weekend and have found a home on the feet of men and women across the Americas.

"KEEN Utility has proven to be a top performer in the industrial footwear category and within our brand," said Steve Meineke, president of KEEN. "To continue this momentum we are investing in dedicated KEEN Utility office space that will allow for future expansion while remaining in close proximity of our Portland factory and global headquarters. These new facilities will allow us to keep up with brand demand while continuing the product innovation and service our fans have come to expect."

Located in Portland's Pearl District, the new 4,500 square-foot KEEN Utility office is within walking distance of the KEEN global headquarters and within a bike ride of the Portland Factory. The design aesthetic for the new office builds on KEEN's dedication to repurposing with a purpose. The space features a unique floor made from OSV exterior plywood and a custom conference table using scrap iron I-Beams and reclaimed wood. Recycled touches including screwdriver knobs and a vintage concrete trowel door handle pay homage to the industries KEEN Utility supports.

This new home base allows for future additions to the KEEN Utility team, while bolstering design and innovation resources and deepening the brands commitment to an expanded American Built offering.

In a second major move, the KEEN Utility team announced a Utility-dedicated warehouse and shipping hub in Louisville, KY. This facility is set up to better meet the "at once" business demands of the brand's industrial footwear partners and fans by providing immediate delivery.

"What KEEN Utility has accomplished in such a short time is nothing short of phenomenal. We view this category as a key opportunity to bring innovative footwear and unique brand DNA to current and new fans everywhere," said Meineke. "Investing in a shipping hub with solutions-based strategies helps us create better access to KEEN Utility product and fortifies a foundation to take KEEN Utility to the next level. These changes solidify our commitment to providing the best fit and protection to America's hardworking men and women."

The new Louisville warehouse became fully operational, shipping same day orders to KEEN Utility partners on November 30, 2015.

For more information and to view the entire line of progressive work footwear, visit KEENUtility.com.

About KEEN Utility
KEEN Utility, a leading industrial and service footwear and accessories brand successfully exceeds footwear safety standards and combines advanced durability and innovation with the same comfort and unparalleled classic fit offered by KEEN. KEEN Utility footwear is grounded in protection with the goal to make better boots for every job. Discover more about KEEN Utility at www.KEENUtility.com, Facebook: KEEN Utility | Twitter: KEEN Utility | Instagram: KEEN Utility

About KEEN, Inc.
Inspired by a love of the outdoors, KEEN, Inc., manufacturer of hybrid outdoor and casual products, including footwear, clothing, and accessories, is dedicated to creating quality products that support the lifestyles and outdoor adventures of active people around the world. KEEN products can be found online and through more than 5,000 retail locations in more than 60 countries, as well as in KEEN Garage retail stores in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. The company's operations and culture reflect a standout commitment to building a strong community and a healthier planet so that all can create, play, and care.
Learn more at http://www.KEENFootwear.com. Join the conversation: Blog: http://blog.KEENFootwear.com | Instagram: KEEN | Facebook: KEEN | Twitter: KEEN | Pinterest: KEEN | YouTube: KEEN