Manufacturing components in the footwear sector, such as cambrillones, continues to be a task that requires precision, dedication and a deep knowledge of craftsmanship. However, the sector faces a number of challenges that threaten its continuity and relevance in today’s market.
The continuity of the footwear manufacturing sector has always been sustained thanks to its own generational generational relay. The knowledge and skill in the footwear trade have been passed on from one generation to the next, as a valuable legacy, thus making it possible to earn a decent living.
In the history of the footwear industry in Elche, a city fully identified with the footwear industry, we find numerous cases where the succession to the ownership of the companies has been one of the main footwear industry, we find numerous cases where the succession to the ownership of the companies has been one of the main problems faced today by their founders.
The footwear sector, in particular the manufacture of its components, is suffering the consequences of generational changes. generational changes and the and the increasing devaluation of craftsmanship.. The new generations, many times, are not interested in continuing with traditions that they consider obsolete or unattractive, preferring careers more linked to technology and digitalization. This phenomenon has led to a significant reduction in the number of people willing to learn and continue the craft of shoemaking.
Although it is not all bad news, according to the data of the
Elche City Council
on the footwear raw materials and components industry, they state that: “In recent years, this sector is today one of the industries with the greatest economic expansion in the world. industries of major economic expansion.. The auxiliary industry employs 12,900 people and invoices 780 million euros, with more than 89% of the companies located in the Valencian Community”.
Craftsmanship in the 21st century: innovation and tradition hand in hand
The reality is that each pair of shoes is the result of a meticulous process. meticulous process that combines the precision of machines with the expert touch of human hands. The shanks, for example, are critical components that require precise manufacturing to ensure the shoe’s durability and comfort. This is where the expertise is demonstrated, fusing traditional techniques with technological innovations to create high quality products.
The specialized team of Cambrillones Jover guides customers in all kinds of designs, in addition to offering the
personalized service
in the creation and development of the requested piece. To guarantee the quality that characterizes us in the sector, we work with machining, injection molds and cutting or drawing dies that are optimal for your production line. As well as manufacturing the parts, prototypes or samples needed for a project.
These technological tools facilitate the production of customized components that are perfectly adapted to the specific needs of each shoe design. However, the final phase of the process, the assembly and finishing of the chambrillons, still requires the skill and experience of the craftsmen.
This combination of technology and manual skill not only improves not only improves the quality of the final product, but also enables companies to respond more effectively to market demands. In a world where customization and speed of response are increasingly valued, the ability to integrate innovation and tradition becomes a key competitive advantage.
Changes in consumption and international competition
In addition to the generational challenge, the footwear manufacturing sector is facing a significant change in consumption patterns and increasing competition from international brands. Today’s consumers are increasingly interested in customized and sustainable products. customized and sustainable productsand are looking for brands that can offer a combination of quality and social responsibility.
The globalization has opened the door to greater competition, and many Spanish footwear companies find it difficult to compete with brands that can produce at lower cost in other countries. The outsourcing of production to countries such as Morocco or Portugal is a common strategy to reduce costs, but this trend has also contributed to a decline in local employment and a lack of generational replacement in domestic factories.
Companies that outsource much of their production face the challenge of maintaining the quality and consistency of their products, in addition to the need to manage relationships with suppliers in different countries. This dependence on outsourced production can lead to quality control problems and reduced flexibility to respond quickly to market demands.
Today, many footwear companies are in the process of generational change. The task remains one of the most complicated. The entry into the company of several owners from different generations in the succession process makes coexistence and agreements in the field of company management usually complex.
The challenges facing the footwear manufacturing sector
We should not focus the business strategy only on new professional profiles. It is crucial to maintain the profiles that guarantee the functioning of the footwear productive fabric. We are referring to the positions within the production chain. We cannot forget that our sector, even though it has advanced technologically in the last years, still needs those productive and essential positions such as specialists in cutting, lacing, footwear assembly and warehousing.
At Cambrillones Jover we are aware that, although footwear manufacturing and the production of components such as cambrillones face significant challenges due to generational changes, consumption patterns and international competition, there are reasons to be optimistic. Our footwear industry is demonstrating that it is possible to combine traditional craftsmanship with technological innovation. tradition of craftsmanship with technological innovation to create high quality products that meet the demands of the modern market.
