In a move the company CEO says will reshape domestic manufacturing, Summitz Footwear Inc. is launching the nation’s first AI-powered, semi-automated sneaker assembly facility in Henderson.
The 9,000-square-foot plant represents a significant leap forward in U.S. footwear production by delivering speed, precision and sustainability to an industry long reliant on overseas operations, said Scott Miller, Summitz Footwear CEO and co-founder.
Scheduled to open on Oct. 1, the facility will integrate artificial intelligence, robotics and modular production systems to support on-demand manufacturing for both global and emerging brands. Over the next three to five years, Summitz plans to scale operations to 50 production lines, with an annual output capacity of up to 20 million pairs.
“Our vision is to reshape the global footwear supply chain by leveraging AI-driven automation and robotics to deliver high-quality products with unmatched speed, precision and efficiency — all from American soil,” Miller said. “Our goal isn’t just to build shoes — it’s to reignite domestic manufacturing, create high-quality jobs and drive innovation that brings the footwear industry into the future.”
With the global sneaker market projected to surpass $120 billion by 2026, brands face mounting pressure to shorten lead times, localize production and reduce their environmental impact. Today, more than 98 percent of sneakers sold in the U.S. are imported, often with delivery timelines of 90 days, Miller said.
Summitz has assembled a world-class leadership team with decades of experience in footwear development and factory operations and is in advanced discussions with several globally recognized brands to bring production back to the U.S., Miller said. The Summitz model supports both global brands and those seeking domestic production and direct-to-consumer brands that need speed, flexibility and premium quality.
“We’re not just building a factory — we’re building the future of footwear manufacturing in America,” Miller said. “Our semi-automated lines require only 10 highly trained operators compared to the traditional 60 workers per line in Asia. That allows us to produce faster, smarter and more cost-effectively — right here in the U.S.”
Q: Talk about your background and what led you to launch Summitz Footwear?
A: I’m second generation as they call it — in the industry — a ‘shoe dog.’ someone who has spent many years in the business. I have spent more than 40 years in the shoe industry. I started at an early age and was exposed to shoe making and through discipline and global complexity I started building great shoes. I worked in China and Brazil for 25 years as vice president and presidents of different corporations doing product development, design and wholesale to retailers around the United States.
Q: Why did you choose Nevada as the home for Summitz’s first U.S. sneaker factory?
A: Our decision to locate Summitz’s first U.S. sneaker factory in Nevada was the result of an extensive five-year site selection process that took us across six different states. In the end, Nevada stood out for several key reasons. First and foremost, it offers a highly business-friendly environment with supportive economic development programs and a regulatory framework that encourages innovation and manufacturing growth. Additionally, its strategic proximity to the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles provides us with efficient access to global supply chains while allowing us to streamline inbound materials shipments.
Q: With most sneaker production still overseas, what motivated Summitz to establish a U.S. factory, specifically in Henderson?
A: The top brand label sneakers are sourced in Southeast Asia — Vietnam, Cambodia and Indonesia. Ninety-eight percent (98 percent) of the sneaker business is done abroad and only 1 percent to 2 percent of the business is done here. Some of the top brands have asked us to onshore the product here in the United States so they would have faster lead times and quicker turnarounds. We decided before COVID to look for places to set up the factory.
Q: How will the Henderson facility contribute to reshoring sneaker manufacturing, and what specific functions will take place there?
A: The Henderson facility is a key step in reshoring sneaker manufacturing to the United States. It will function as a highly efficient, semi-automated assembly hub where we’ll import raw materials and components — primarily from Southeast Asia — and complete final assembly on-site. This hybrid model allows us to dramatically lower duty rates by avoiding the higher tariffs imposed on fully finished goods from overseas.
Several leading U.S. sneaker brands have asked us to move part of the production process stateside to reduce lead times, increase supply chain flexibility and respond more quickly to market demand. Assembling in Henderson enables us to deliver on those priorities while also leveraging favorable trade policies that enhance the competitiveness of American manufacturing.
Looking ahead, our long-term goal is to transition to sourcing 100 percent of our materials domestically, further strengthening supply chain resilience and creating more jobs here in the U.S.
Q: What makes your factory different?
A: What sets our factory apart is our commitment to innovation, efficiency and the future of American manufacturing. We hold 12 proprietary patents on our semi-automated production line equipment, enabling us to operate with a fraction of the labor typically required in traditional overseas factories. While conventional production lines in Asia may rely on 60 workers, our lines run with just 10 — thanks to advanced automation and three robotic arms per line.
At full scale, we’re building toward 50 semi-automated production lines with the capacity to produce over 20 million pairs of sneakers annually right here in Las Vegas. Our long-term plan is to grow our workforce to over 1,000 employees within the next three to five years. This model dramatically improves productivity and consistency while significantly reducing labor costs and environmental impact. It’s a blueprint for reshoring footwear production and redefining what’s possible for U.S.-based manufacturing.
Q: How does your factory address the need for faster delivery and local production?
A: Today, 98 percent of sneakers sold in the U.S. are imported, often with lead times ranging from 90 days. That model simply can’t keep up with the speed of modern consumer demand. Our Henderson factory is designed to solve that. With on-demand, U.S.-based assembly, we enable brands to drastically shorten their lead times, reduce freight and import costs and lower their inventory risk.
More importantly, local production allows brands to respond to real-time market trends with speed and agility — launching new styles or replenishing inventory in a few weeks, not months. It’s a game-changer for the footwear industry’s shift toward responsiveness, sustainability and smarter supply chains.
Q: Can you speak to your company’s global footprint?
A: We are an extension of a global manufacturing operation with more than 20 years of experience. We operate high-volume production across Vietnam, Cambodia and Indonesia producing 25 million pairs annually.
Q: How is Summitz working with Nevada to build a workforce pipeline?
A: We are collaborating with state workforce agencies, community colleges, training programs and several private organizations to build a pipeline of technically skilled talent.
Q: How has it been opening your business here in Nevada?
A: It’s been an exceptional experience. From day one, we have received strong support from both the public and private sectors. The Vegas Chamber played a key role in connecting us with strategic partners and influential stakeholders who helped accelerate our progress. The city of Henderson’s Economic Development team and Building/Fire Safety Department have been true champions of our vision providing guidance and resources every step of the way. Their collective efforts helped us obtain our building permits within two weeks.
The warm reception we have received reflects Nevada’s deep commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship and attracting forward-thinking businesses. It is very clear that this state isn’t just open for business — it’s actively investing in the future of American manufacturing.
Q: What excites you most about launching this factory?
A: This is more than just a factory. It’s a blueprint for shaping U.S. manufacturing. We are proving that with the right technology, talent and leadership that America can compete and lead in global footwear production and bring jobs back to the United States, shortening supply chains and enabling brands to build smarter and faster. That is the future we are creating at Summitz Footwear.
Miller can be contacted by companies at info@summitzfootwear.com.