A next-generation footwear manufacturing system developed in Kerry is rethinking how shoes are made, produced and distributed globally.
METIS is an advanced digital manufacturing solution created by WAZP, a global leader in on-demand and localised production technologies. Designed and built in Kerry, METIS enables footwear to be manufactured locally, on demand and with sustainability at its core.
By replacing traditional offshore factory models and long global supply chains, METIS offers a scalable alternative that reduces waste, transport emissions and overproduction while maintaining performance and comfort.
Transforming Traditional Footwear Manufacturing
Conventional footwear production relies on complex supply chains, forecasting models and mass production, often leading to excess inventory and environmental impact.
METIS challenges this approach by enabling shoes to be produced only when ordered. Using advanced 3D printing technology and recyclable materials, the system eliminates the need for moulds, tooling and chemically bonded layers.
Each pair is digitally manufactured with precision, significantly reducing material waste, inventory risk and unnecessary transport.
Powered by the WAZP+ Digital Manufacturing Platform
METIS is built on WAZP+, the company’s proprietary digital manufacturing platform that connects product design, customer orders, local production and fulfilment into one integrated system.
WAZP+ has already been proven at international scale, producing and shipping thousands of customised 3D printed products directly to customers worldwide without warehouses or overstocking. METIS applies this platform model to footwear for the first time, opening new opportunities for brands seeking flexible, sustainable production solutions.
What Makes METIS Different
METIS introduces a new manufacturing approach specifically designed for circular production and local supply models:
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Fully 3D-printed construction designed for disassembly and recycling
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No adhesives, enabling easier repair and material recovery
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On-demand local production enabled through WAZP+
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Custom fit potential without traditional tooling or complexity
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A scalable alternative to mass production without compromising comfort or performance
METIS is not a DIY or self-assembly product. It is a complete manufacturing ecosystem combining digital design, automated production and platform infrastructure.
Designed in Kerry for a Circular Economy
METIS supports a closed-loop manufacturing model where worn footwear can be returned, recycled and re-manufactured into new products.
By combining circular product design with decentralised production, METIS helps brands transition away from traditional “make, use, discard” business models and towards more resilient, climate-positive manufacturing systems.
Global Recognition at ChangeNOW Paris
WAZP has been selected as a Change Pioneer at ChangeNOW, one of the world’s leading sustainability and innovation summits taking place in Paris this spring.
This recognition places METIS and the WAZP+ platform among a global group of breakthrough solutions shaping the future of sustainable industry. It also highlights Kerry and Ireland as centres for world-leading innovation in advanced manufacturing and climate technology.
Why This Innovation Matters
Footwear is one of the most resource-intensive consumer product categories globally.
METIS demonstrates that high-performance footwear can be manufactured locally, sustainably and competitively using technology developed and scaled in Kerry. It represents a major opportunity for the region to contribute to global climate solutions while strengthening Ireland’s position in advanced manufacturing and digital production.
