OrthoLite’s formula for excellence in workplace culture and manufacturing

OrthoLite Vietnam, which employs 1,000 people, is one of six OrthoLite factories strategically distributed in footwear manufacturing hubs across five different countries.

OrthoLite Vietnam is a centerpiece of the brand’s global manufacturing footprint. Under the visionary leadership of Mark Coffield, OrthoLite Vietnam country manager, the team has developed a framework for excellence that helps guide OrthoLite’s global best practices to deliver unmatched quality and consistency in serving the company’s 550+ brand partners in the footwear industry.

The Success Equation at OrthoLite Vietnam

OrthoLite Vietnam uses a 3-part formula to achieve consistent and reliable manufacturing excellence. That includes:

- Experienced leadership dedicated to building culture

- Supportive teamwork grounded in safety, empowerment and lessening our impact

- Best-in-class infrastructure (plus continual investment to remain best-in-class)

Naturally, these ideals and practices are informed by rigorous SOPs and efficiencies. The ultimate key to excellence, according to Coffield, is maintaining laser focus on the objective, which is to deliver the highest quality insoles and footwear materials solutions on time and on budget.

Coffield, and the entire OrthoLite organization, know the best way to reliably deliver on that promise is to support an engaged and solution-oriented team with the tools they need to thrive.

On Leadership

When Coffield joined OrthoLite in 2019, he brought decades of experience in footwear, including a 20-year stint with Nike. He has a wealth of manufacturing knowledge, from concept to production to market launch. Complimenting his wide-ranging knowledge is a leadership team of experts in manufacturing, customer service, sustainability, and operations.

Coffield and his time recognize that leadership falls into two primary categories: the human aspect and the manufacturing aspect. Both are foundational to any successful effort, and are interdependent. Leadership, according to OrthoLite Vietnam, requires excellence in humanity and production.

“Our greatest success is our team, each of whom brings that successful teamwork mindset to every OrthoLite brand partner,” says Coffield. He leads by example by hiring the right team, and showing appreciation for their contribution.

On Teams and Culture

At OrthoLite Vietnam, there is a shared goal to engage every team member and empower them to make a positive difference in operations.

This respectful ethos is inherent in OrthoLite’s rigorous Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) program that is based on the OrthoLite CARES philosophy. CARES is an acronym for the company’s guiding principles of: commitment to team members and brand partners, accountability for value and quality, relentlessness in the pursuit of innovation, a passionate focus on the earth and creating more sustainable solutions, and truth and transparency via science.

As Coffield said, it’s not just about hiring the right people, it’s also important to appreciate them. On a simple level, that’s expressed by gratitude, planning team fun days, and being active in the local community.

On a deeper level, OrthoLite Vietnam leadership also works hard to foster a culture of individual empowerment. This means providing access to education and enhanced training that enables team members to excel in their immediate job and to potentially support their long-term career goals.

As empowerment applies to manufacturing excellence, OrthoLite Vietnam strives to develop a team of solution-oriented individuals. No one knows the facility operations better than the individuals doing the work. When a team member identifies an opportunity to improve production, or safety, or efficiency, they are encouraged to speak up. In many cases, they are rewarded for doing so.

In August 2024, HR Asia named OrthoLite’s facility in Vietnam as one of the “Best Companies to Work for in Asia.” The award honors organizations with best practices in human resources, high levels of employee engagement, and excellent workplace cultures.

After verifying that the company met the high standards on a wide range of criteria, numerous interviews, and independent employee surveys, OrthoLite Vietnam was a standout. The company scored significantly higher than the market’s average.

The award is one of several external recognitions of the company’s management style that prioritizes people and dignity, alongside excellence in innovation, manufacturing, and impact awareness.

On production infrastructure

OrthoLite Vietnam is a state-of-the-art facility with automation and powered by solar panels. It is a leader in manufacturing and in creating dynamic solutions to meet the ever-changing challenges of its brand partners all over the world.

Employing a lean line concept, OrthoLite Vietnam blends automation and team tasks for off the charts accuracy, efficiency, and quality control. The team can access real-time data and visualization in order to provide up-to-the-minute information on any order.

As efficient and advanced as the factory is, there is still a focus on continuous improvement–especially in the realm of lowering impacts.

In 2023, OVN achieved an overall verified score of 85% from the Higg Index. Thanks to the exceptional work of its dedicated staff, the facility was recognized for its commitment to sustainability through environmental management, energy, water use, wastewater management, waste management, air quality and chemical management.

Additionally, OrthoLite Vietnam regularly examines new ways to help brand partners lower their overall footprint, too. One successful program has been the “blue box” program. Brand partners can opt to reduce cardboard shipping waste with reusable OrthoLite “blue boxes,” which can make up to 80 round trips!

OrthoLite Vietnam leading the way

Manufacturing and team-building excellence is an enduring commitment, which OrthoLite has upheld for more than 28 years (and counting). The company’s formula of leadership, infrastructure, and teamwork allows for growth and continuous improvements in work culture, technologies and efficiencies, and sustainability.

Footwear manufacturing overall is in an exciting moment, brimming with potential from sustainability-oriented innovations, global solutions and challenges, and the constant of elevation performance and style. As the world navigates geopolitical shifts and uncertainties, OrthoLite Vietnam’s frameworks for success provide a competitive edge as a footwear supply chain partner.

For more information, visit: Ortholite.com

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