On Brings Shoe Production to Zurich

(CONNECT) On now also manufactures high-quality running shoes at its headquarters in Zurich. The new production site was inaugurated on July 2, 2025. According to a press release from the premium sports brand, this is the first time in the world that On's LightSpray technology has been used. Additional production sites in various countries around the world are reportedly being planned.

In LightSpray production, ultra-light, one-piece shoe uppers are manufactured in just three minutes in a single-stage, fully automated process using a robotic arm and a 1.5 kilometer long filament. Four of these robots are in use in Zurich. Conventional production involves 200 steps and various locations, from yarn production to assembly. In comparison, the new technology is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 75 percent.

According to On, the technology was conceived and programmed by an interdisciplinary Zurich team of around 20 employees and brought to product maturity in four years of development work. Of the 1,100 employees currently based in Zurich, over 300 work in research and development.

"We are incredibly proud of this significant milestone in the history of On and LightSpray," On co-founder Caspar Coppetti is quoted as saying. "Innovations like these, developed and perfected by our teams in Zurich, have helped us achieve global success right from the start."

To mark the start of LightSpray production, On is opening its On Labs in Zurich to the public. Viewings are possible until July 6. Workshops and panel discussions are also on the program. ce/mm