On’s LightSpray™ Technology arrives in South Korea LightSpray Cloudmonster 3 Hyper is the first sneaker produced in the korean factory
We visited the new production facility of On, which has announced the expansion of its LightSpray™ technology with the opening of its second robotic manufacturing plant worldwide, located near Busan, South Korea. The new South Korean plant adds 32 fully automated robots, set to increase global LightSpray™ production capacity in 2026.
What began as a four-year development journey, followed by the opening of On’s first facility in Zurich in 2025 and without any pre-existing model for robot-sprayed upper manufacturing, has led the company to develop systems capable of simultaneously coordinating multiple robots, while establishing rigorous quality protocols for automated production.
«The opening of our second LightSpray™ facility marks a milestone in mastering this advanced production process», says On co-founder Caspar Coppetti. «LightSpray™ is an emblematic example of how On continues to innovate through Swiss engineering, radically transforming the way we create professional performance footwear with efficiency, sustainability, and unprecedented performance results».
The launch of the new facility coincides with the introduction of the LightSpray Cloudmonster 3 Hyper: the first upper sprayed at the new plant. Designed for those who want to run faster and longer, it represents the ultimate model for long-distance running and high-tempo training, featuring Helion™ HF hyper foam and the “Sprayed in Korea” detail visible on the insole.
«The beauty of LightSpray™ lies in the ability to precisely program each robot, both in Zurich and Busan, to execute perfectly choreographed movements that create the unique aesthetics and feel of each shoe», says Scott Maguire, Chief Innovation Officer at On. South Korea’s position as a global leader in robotics and automation, combined with On’s established partnerships and presence in the region, made the country the strategic choice for the second LightSpray™ plant. This new chapter also demonstrates that the technology and processes developed in Switzerland can be replicated globally while maintaining consistent quality standards.
On’s strategic objective is to achieve large-scale global production through the opening of LightSpray™ factories located close to key international markets in the coming years, with a focus on the Americas and significant expansion across Europe. The expansion of the technology from race-day shoes to training models reflects On’s product strategy aimed at making LightSpray™ accessible to a broader audience, beyond elite athletes. With increased production, On also plans to explore LightSpray™ applications in additional categories, alongside new releases throughout 2026.
