WASHINGTON, D.C., August 19, 2026 – The United States Footwear Manufacturers Association is pleased to welcome Ward & Kennedy as the newest supplier member in our historic expansion in capacity and influence.
Ward & Kennedy, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has been supplying major brands since 1928 and is expanding its footwear focus, including by supporting fellow USFMA members such as Hope Global and Bixby.
“USFMA is seeing one of its biggest growth spurts as we build strong bipartisan support for federal policies and investments that fuel footwear manufacturing in the United States, including to outfit our men and women in uniform with American-made combat boots,” said Executive Director Bill McCann. “We are thrilled to have Ward & Kennedy as we hone our strategy to rebuild and sustain a more vibrant industrial base that is critical for economic growth and national preparedness.”
The company provides the footwear industry with adhesives, abrasives, plastics, pre-cut and skived box toes, counters, insole board, and foam. It is particularly eager to help address the unmet needs of the military footwear market, which remains far too dependent on foreign suppliers, despite the requirement enshrined in the Berry Amendment to source military uniforms, footwear, and other personal equipment in the United States.
“I had no idea that not all the boots our soldiers are wearing are made in the United States,” said Jason Billeb, President and Owner of Ward & Kennedy. “I wanted to be involved in USFMA because I think it’s super important that our troops are wearing American-made footwear.”
Billeb also countered the myth that the domestic industry lacks sufficient capacity to compete with foreign boot makers if given a sufficient demand signal.
“If the argument is that we don’t have the capacity in this country to make this footwear, I say rely on us,” he said. “We can die-cut and skive parts and supply them to footwear manufacturers if they are reaching their capacity to furnish these components to produce their products. We have recently added high speed cutting equipment to increase our capacity. We are ready.”
Added McCann: “Ward & Kennedy will help us make the case that the domestic footwear industry is back and poised for major growth.”