Investment in capacity and sustainability: lessons for footwear

Summary of KH7 Lloreda's announcement

KH7 Lloreda, a company specializing in cleaning products, closed 2025 with a turnover of €65.4 million, up 7.8% from the previous year. This growth was driven mainly by its international business, which already accounts for 26% of sales and which the company expects will exceed 50% by 2030. To sustain this expansion, KH7 has announced an investment of over three million euros to expand the production capacity of its plant in Canovelles, where it will add a third manufacturing line. This will increase capacity by 64%, gaining operational flexibility and improving service in anticipation of the expected increase in foreign demand.

Furthermore, from 2026 all its packaging will be made with 100% recycled plastic and will maintain a light format to reduce environmental impact. The president, Josep Maria Lloreda, has highlighted that international growth confirms a solid and scalable model, and that the investment prepares the company for the next stage without sacrificing quality, innovation or service.

What does this news mean for the wholesale footwear sector?

Although KH7 belongs to a different sector, its strategy offers direct lessons for footwear manufacturers and wholesalers. The decision to invest in production capacity when international demand is growing is a move that many small and medium-sized footwear producers in Spain should consider. Spanish footwear, especially in areas like Elche or Almansa, faces growing foreign demand for medium-to-high quality products, but production capacity remains limited in many workshops. Betting on expanding manufacturing lines, even if it involves significant investment, allows them to respond to large orders without missing deadlines or compromising quality.

On the other hand, the commitment to 100% recycled packaging resonates with the growing regulatory and consumer pressure towards sustainable fashion. Wholesale footwear distributors who work with brands that already demand ecological packaging —or who sell to environmentally conscious retailers— must anticipate. Incorporating recycled cardboard boxes, biodegradable bags or sustainable labels is not just a matter of image, but a competitive advantage at fairs like MICAM or in negotiations with large chains.

B2B Analysis: What does it mean for a footwear store?

For the retailer, the news underscores the importance of choosing suppliers that invest in capacity and sustainability. A footwear store that works with a wholesaler that expands its production can benefit from fewer stockouts, shorter delivery times and the ability to launch capsule collections without long waits. Furthermore, if that supplier adopts recycled packaging, the store can align its own ecological narrative with real facts, attracting an increasingly demanding customer.

However, the retailer must be aware that these investments often impact prices. Nevertheless, the improvement in service and sustainable differentiation usually justify the increase. Independent stores should ask their wholesalers about their capacity and sustainability plans, and prioritize those who, like KH7, show a tangible long-term commitment.

Context of the Spanish footwear market

Spain remains a world reference in quality footwear, but the sector faces competitiveness challenges. Domestic production has been losing ground to Asian countries, although demand for "made in Spain" products is growing in markets such as France, Italy or the United States. For Spanish manufacturers and wholesalers to capture that demand, they need investments similar to those of KH7. Process automation, warehouse digitalization and the adoption of sustainable materials are the key levers. In addition, institutional support through programs such as the "Recovery Plan" can co-finance these improvements.

The example of KH7 shows that even in mature sectors, investment in capacity and sustainability is viable and profitable. For footwear, where margins are tight but added value is high, imitating this model can be the difference between competing on price or on differentiation.

Conclusion: applicable lessons

KH7's bet on a third manufacturing line and recycled packaging is not news unrelated to footwear. On the contrary, it is a case study on how to scale a B2B business while maintaining quality and service. Wholesale footwear distributors who want to grow in the international market should consider similar investments, while retailers should look for suppliers that offer reliability and sustainability. The Spanish footwear industry has the talent and tradition; now it needs the investment and strategic vision that KH7 has demonstrated.

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