Analpa to Close Its Own Manufacturing Facilities in China
After five years of operating its own production sites in China, Analpa has taken the strategic decision to exit direct manufacturing in the country.
According to Jacquie Lythgoe, the company’s factories were established in early 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. “At that time, we were receiving a large volume of orders from clients all over the world, while China was effectively closed. The situation with production planning was extremely complex — we never knew which regions or cities would be operating and which would not. To avoid failing our customers, we decided that having our own manufacturing facilities was the only reliable solution,” Jacquie explained.
The first factory was launched in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, focusing on the production of footwear for Betsy and Keddo. It initially operated three production lines, later expanded with two additional lines. The second facility opened in Jinjiang, Fujian Province, and specialized in sport-style footwear. It operated two production lines — one dedicated to the Crosby brand and another for private-label products.
“This decision proved to be absolutely timely,” Jacquie noted. “Throughout the pandemic, we did not fail a single client — unlike many of our competitors.” Over time, however, the factories became increasingly difficult to sustain. “The challenge was the need to keep them fully loaded with orders year-round, rather than just during the two main seasonal production cycles,” she added.
At the end of 2024, Analpa’s Chinese partner secured a major U.S. client and subsequently acquired Analpa’s share in the Chengdu factory. While two production lines remain reserved for Analpa, they no longer carry any operational obligations. The proceeds from the transaction were reinvested into the renovation of the historic Betsy sample room in Chengdu, including the purchase of state-of-the-art machinery and next-generation equipment.
In parallel, negotiations began last year to sell Analpa’s stake in the Jinjiang facility. With the lease agreement nearing its end, the company chose not to renew it. All modern equipment, the testing laboratory, and 3D printers were transferred to the Crosby sample room. As a result, Analpa has doubled its capacity for developing new sport-style footwear samples.
“Today, we have no difficulties placing production orders,” Jacquie concluded. “Following the introduction of U.S. tariffs, many factories have lost clients and are now eager to work with our designs.”
