Tamil Nadu has strengthened its position as India’s leading footwear manufacturing hub with the foundation stone laid for a ₹1,700 crore Adidas footwear manufacturing facility in Karur. The project, developed by Evervan Kothari Global Footwear, is expected to generate approximately 13,500 employment opportunities while significantly boosting India’s footwear export capabilities.
The foundation stone was laid by C. Joseph Vijay, marking his first major industry-related event outside Chennai since assuming office.
Mega Manufacturing Facility to Produce 40 Million Pairs Annually
The upcoming manufacturing unit will span over one million square feet and have an annual production capacity of 40 million pairs of footwear, making it one of India’s largest footwear manufacturing facilities.
The plant will manufacture Adidas footwear for both domestic and international markets, reinforcing India’s growing importance in global footwear supply chains.
Evervan Kothari Global Footwear to Lead the Project
The facility will be established by Evervan Kothari Global Footwear, a joint venture between Chennai-based Kothari Industrial Corporation Ltd (KICL) and Taiwan-based Evervan Group.
The partnership combines KICL’s manufacturing expertise with Evervan Group’s global footwear production capabilities.
The joint venture already operates a major footwear manufacturing facility in Perambalur, where it manufactures Crocs footwear for export markets following an investment of nearly ₹5,000 crore.
Tamil Nadu Emerges as India’s Footwear Manufacturing Hub
The new Adidas facility further strengthens Tamil Nadu’s growing reputation as India’s preferred destination for global footwear manufacturing.
Leading international footwear brands are increasingly sourcing products from the state, including:
- Adidas
- Nike
- Puma
- Crocs
- New Balance
- Reebok
Industry experts attribute this growth to Tamil Nadu’s robust industrial ecosystem, skilled workforce, export infrastructure, and supportive government policies.
Construction Timeline and Expansion Plans
According to Phoenix Kothari Footwear Chairman J. Rafiq Ahmed, the project will be developed in multiple phases.
Key project milestones include:
- Phase 1 completion within six months
- Full project completion over the next three years
- Annual production capacity of 40 million pairs
- Employment generation for approximately 13,500 people
Once operational, the facility is expected to become one of the largest Adidas manufacturing bases in India.
Infrastructure Development to Global Standards
The manufacturing complex will be developed by Phoenix Kothari Infrastructure Development (PKID), a subsidiary of the Phoenix Kothari Group.
According to the company, the facility will be constructed to international manufacturing standards, leveraging experience gained from developing the JR One Kothari Footwear factory in Perambalur.
PKID also plans to lead future industrial infrastructure projects, including integrated footwear manufacturing parks across India.
Strengthening India’s Footwear Export Ecosystem
The investment aligns with India’s ambition to become a global manufacturing hub under initiatives promoting domestic production and exports.
The Karur facility is expected to:
- Increase India’s footwear manufacturing capacity
- Boost exports to global markets
- Strengthen supply chains for international brands
- Create large-scale employment
- Enhance Tamil Nadu’s position as a footwear manufacturing destination
With global brands diversifying their sourcing beyond traditional manufacturing locations, India continues to attract significant investments in footwear production.
Industry Outlook
India’s non-leather footwear industry has witnessed rapid growth over the past few years as international brands seek diversified manufacturing bases.
Tamil Nadu has emerged as a preferred destination due to:
- Established industrial infrastructure
- Skilled workforce
- Strong port connectivity
- Government support for manufacturing investments
- Growing supplier ecosystem
The Adidas manufacturing facility is expected to further accelerate investments in the state’s footwear and apparel manufacturing sectors.
Conclusion
The ₹1,700 crore Adidas footwear manufacturing facility in Karur marks another milestone in India’s manufacturing growth story. With a planned capacity of 40 million pairs annually and employment generation for 13,500 people, the project reinforces Tamil Nadu’s leadership in footwear production while strengthening India’s role in the global sportswear supply chain.
Key Takeaways
- Adidas will establish a ₹1,700 crore footwear manufacturing facility in Karur, Tamil Nadu.
- The project will be developed by Evervan Kothari Global Footwear, a joint venture between KICL and Taiwan’s Evervan Group.
- The facility will produce 40 million pairs of shoes annually.
- Around 13,500 jobs are expected to be created.
- Production will cater to both domestic and international markets.
- The project will be completed in phases over the next three years.
FAQs
Where is Adidas setting up its new manufacturing facility in India?
The new footwear manufacturing facility will be located in Karur, Tamil Nadu.
How much is Adidas investing in the Karur project?
The total project investment is approximately ₹1,700 crore.
Who is developing the Adidas manufacturing facility?
The project is being developed by Evervan Kothari Global Footwear, a joint venture between Kothari Industrial Corporation Ltd and Taiwan’s Evervan Group.
What will be the production capacity of the new plant?
The facility will have an annual production capacity of 40 million pairs of footwear.
How many jobs will the project create?
The project is expected to generate approximately 13,500 employment opportunities.