WASHINGTON, October 1, 2025 – The United States Footwear Manufacturers Association is pleased to welcome as its newest member American Shoe Machinery Co, an industry leader for more than half a century in the manufacturing of footwear machinery in the United States.
Founded in 1971 in Beverly, Massachusetts, ASMC specializes in the design, engineering, and support of high-performance machines, Tru-Fit Fiberglass shanks, materials, and replacement parts for the footwear and die-cutting industry.
“We are thrilled to have American Shoe Machinery Co. part of our expanding coalition of domestic footwear manufacturers and suppliers that are working to reshore more production and use our collective voice to advocate for the policies that support future growth,” said USFMA Executive Director Bill McCann. “Our industry is at a pivotal moment. Having a specialized industry leader like ASMC with deep roots in American manufacturing will only help fuel this new chapter in our economic competitiveness and national preparedness.”
ASMC fills a unique niche in the domestic footwear ecosystem. “We are probably the only company left as far as shoe machinery manufacturing in the United States,” said Gentian Pashaj, ASMC President. “We are not just a distributor. Our niche is designing and manufacturing machines that are used to manufacture leading footwear brands.” He cited among the company’s key industry partners USFMA members Red Wing and Weinbrenner Shoe Company.
Joining USFMA is part of a more proactive strategy to position the company to support more U.S. brands seeking to return to their roots, according to Pashaj. “It’s not easy to come back to the U.S. and make shoes,” he said. “Is it impossible? No. Some manufacturers are making it happen.”
“USFMA’s mission aligns perfectly with our own strategic vision,” he added, such as pressing the Trump administration to reinvest a portion of the revenue from new tariffs on foreign goods to help modernize and expand the domestic footwear supply chain.
“If applied in an appropriate manner there could be a boost in manufacturers looking for equipment made here,” Pashaj said. “We are eager to join forces with more footwear manufacturers and suppliers, to share where we are headed, and identify what more we can do together. We are here and we can do this.”