{"id":37341,"date":"2022-06-23T11:08:27","date_gmt":"2022-06-23T15:08:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thegeorgiasun.com\/?p=37341"},"modified":"2023-09-24T16:21:39","modified_gmt":"2023-09-24T20:21:39","slug":"okabashi-brands-will-create-340-new-jobs-in-gwinnett-with-facility-renovation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thegeorgiasun.com\/?p=37341","title":{"rendered":"Okabashi Brands will create 340 new jobs in Gwinnett with facility renovation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

BUFORD<\/a> — Okabashi Brands Inc., a third-generation family-owned and woman-led shoe company, will renovate its 100,000-square-foot facility, creating approximately 340 new jobs and $20 million in capital investment over the next five years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The facility, at 4823 Roy Carlson Boulevard in Buford, will accommodate new manufacturing lines, increasing production by 100%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOkabashi Brand\u2019s 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,\u201d said Okabashi Brands Inc. Chief Executive Officer Sara Irvani. \u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Comprising 1% of footwear manufacturers who remain in the United States, Okabashi Brands Inc. has sold more than 35 million pairs of shoes since 1984.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOkabashi Brands reflects the true spirit of Georgia business: innovative products, hardworking and skilled team and unwavering sense of community,\u201d said Governor Brian Kemp. \u201cOkabashi not only stayed open for business during the pandemic, but they also continued to grow and donated thousands of shoes to frontline workers. We\u2019re proud Okabashi calls the Peach State home, and we look forward to their continued growth.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a commitment to community, Okabashi Brands Inc. has 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOkabashi Brands epitomizes the Gwinnett Standard, excelling in integrity, service and stewardship,\u201d said Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson. \u201cWe appreciate their commitment to philanthropy, sustainability and most importantly, supporting our vibrant community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n