Mass customising footwear: the left® foot company case. (24th July 2006)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sievanen, Matti; Peltonen, Linnea
• Is Part Of: International journal of mass customisation. Volume 1:Number 4(2006)
• Page Start: 480
• Page End: 491
• Publication Date: 2006-07-24
• Subjects: mass customisation -- footwear industry -- scanning -- competences -- Finland -- shoe manufacturing; Mass customization -- Periodicals; Manufacturing processes -- Automation -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Computer integrated manufacturing systems -- Periodicals; 670.42705
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1742-4208

Abstract

The Finnish footwear industry has had a difficult time since the end of the 1980s. The companies that have managed to survive are either innovative or specialised. Pomarfin is one such survivor. After a market analysis, the firm's management concluded that individualism could become a dominant trend. Using modern technology combined with a long tradition of shoe manufacturing, Pomarfin succeeded in manufacturing mass customised shoes. Its new brand, left® foot company, is specialised in mass customisation. Early results of left® foot company are promising. It has become an international brand with outlets in many countries and continues to grow at quite a fast rate. This case examines how left® foot company operates and discusses some of its success factors.