Footwear firm Dr Martens is closing its British factories and moving production to China, with the loss of more than 1,000 jobs.
David Suddens, managing director of the firm's family-owned parent company R Griggs, said he regretted the factory closures.
The Knitwear and Foot Apparel Trade Union is opposed to the move.
The Doc Martens footwear brand, with its air-cushion soles, has become a fashion staple since production began in Northampton in 1960.
The boots have been worn by everyone from Madonna to skinheads and Pope John Paul II, who ordered customised white boots.
Production is being moved out of the UK is because the boots are cheaper to make in China.
The firm says all its competitors outsourced years ago.
Despite selling five million pairs of boots, the company lost about £20 million last year.
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