Somerset-based Clarks (www.clarks.co.uk) is re-shoring production of its Desert Boot.

The company is opening a new factory in Street that will give it the means to return to large-scale manufacturing at home of this iconic style.

It will be located next to Clarks’ head-quarters and will be able to produce up to 300,000 pairs a year, with shorter lead times.

Clarks’ last factory in the UK — in the North West — closed in 2006, when production was switched to the Far East.

The new plant will combine robot-assisted technology and skilled labour; it is expected to create around 80 new jobs.