Under Armour, the originator of performance footwear, apparel and equipment, along with UA Lighthouse, opened a new 35,000 square foot center for manufacturing and design innovation in City Garage in South Baltimore, Maryland.

According to organizers, the facility will be the proving grounds for developing new, cutting-edge product and efficient manufacturing processes. The UA Lighthouse will be the guiding light for developing best practices and efficient methods for how all Under Armour product is made.

"As Under Armour celebrates 20 years in business, we are committed, more than ever, to driving global innovation and continuing to expand our Global Headquarters in our great hometown of Baltimore, Maryland, USA," said Kevin Plank, Founder/CEO, Under Armour. "The UA Lighthouse will serve as a beacon to make product better, faster, and more efficiently, ultimately solving real problems for athletes and making them better around the world."

The UA Lighthouse will provide Under Armour's designers, developers and external partners the physical space and tools to create, to build, and to push the boundaries of what is possible in their shared mission to make great product for athletes around the world. Proven processes and technologies created at UA Lighthouse will then be shared with Under Armour's global teammates and partner factories. Employees and partners will have access to cutting-edge technology including: 3D printing and rapid prototyping along with 3-D design and body scanning.

According to company officials, Under Armour partnered with industry-leading organizations including The University of Maryland's Engineering Department, The Dow Chemical Company, Huntsman, Lectra, Bemis, Epson, Desma, and 3dMD, among others. These partners and others will team up with Under Armour to drive innovation in product and process technology.

This innovation will also serve as a foundation for Under Armour's local-for-local vision, where product is to be designed for and made in local markets around the world, officials said. UA Lighthouse will be the hub where new product and process technology is developed and then transferred to factory partners to scale.

"Under Armour's approach to open innovation and collaboration can be seen in our strategic partnerships brought to life within the UA Lighthouse," said Kevin Haley, President, Product and Innovation, Under Armour. "We are excited about this game-changing opportunity and the endless possibilities created by bringing together our talented team and our world-class partners, to pioneer the future of design and manufacturing."