Adidas Expands India Sourcing With New Footwear Manufacturing Facility

Adidas is strengthening its manufacturing footprint in India with the commissioning of a new footwear manufacturing facility operated by Evervan Kothari Footwear in Karur, Tamil Nadu. The plant, a joint venture between Taiwan’s Evervan Group and Kothari Industrial Corporation, is expected to significantly increase Adidas’ sourcing capacity from India while supporting the country’s emergence as a major global footwear manufacturing hub.

The facility is part of Adidas’ broader strategy to diversify its global supply chain beyond traditional manufacturing bases such as Vietnam and Indonesia. As global brands increasingly adopt a “China+1” sourcing strategy, India is gaining prominence due to its skilled workforce, improving infrastructure, government incentives, and expanding manufacturing ecosystem.

New Karur Plant to Strengthen Adidas’ Supply Chain

The Evervan Kothari facility is scheduled to begin production in July 2026 and will manufacture footwear exclusively for Adidas.

Key highlights include:

• New manufacturing facility located in Karur, Tamil Nadu.
• Operated by Evervan Kothari Footwear, a joint venture between Evervan Group and Kothari Industrial Corporation.
• Production for Adidas begins in July 2026.
• Expected to significantly expand Adidas’ sourcing capacity from India.
• Forms part of a larger long-term investment in footwear manufacturing.

The project reflects Adidas’ growing confidence in India’s manufacturing capabilities as demand for globally diversified supply chains continues to rise.

India’s Role in Adidas’ Global Manufacturing Network

India has steadily become an important sourcing destination for Adidas.

According to the company’s supplier data:

• India currently has 14 supplier facilities.
• These facilities employ approximately 22,600 workers.
• Apache Footwear in Tirupati remains Adidas’ largest supplier base in the country.
• India currently contributes an estimated 5–10% of Adidas’ global footwear sourcing.

With the addition of the Karur facility, India’s contribution is expected to increase further over the coming years.

Massive Capacity Expansion Planned

The Karur project is designed as one of India’s largest footwear manufacturing investments.

Industry estimates indicate that the facility could:

• Scale production to around 40 million pairs of shoes annually in its initial phase.
• Create nearly 15,000 direct jobs.
• Support exports to global markets.
• Strengthen India’s position in international footwear manufacturing.

The project also complements Tamil Nadu’s ambition to become one of Asia’s leading non-leather footwear manufacturing hubs.

Why Adidas Is Expanding in India

Several factors are driving Adidas’ increased sourcing from India:

• Diversification of global supply chains.
• Competitive manufacturing costs.
• Availability of skilled labor.
• Strong export infrastructure.
• Government support for manufacturing under initiatives such as Make in India.
• Rapid expansion of Tamil Nadu’s footwear ecosystem.

The move also helps Adidas reduce supply chain concentration while improving resilience against geopolitical and logistical disruptions.

Tamil Nadu Emerges as a Footwear Manufacturing Hub

Tamil Nadu has attracted significant investments from global footwear manufacturers in recent years.

The state offers:

• Established supplier networks.
• Modern industrial infrastructure.
• Export-oriented manufacturing zones.
• Skilled workforce.
• Strong port connectivity.
• Supportive industrial policies.

Several global brands and contract manufacturers have expanded operations in the state, making Tamil Nadu one of India’s fastest-growing footwear production centers.

Benefits for India’s Manufacturing Sector

The expansion is expected to generate multiple economic benefits:

• Higher footwear exports.
• Increased foreign direct investment (FDI).
• Large-scale employment generation.
• Development of local supplier ecosystems.
• Growth in ancillary industries such as packaging, logistics, and components.
• Strengthening of India’s global manufacturing competitiveness.

The project also reinforces India’s ambition to become a preferred manufacturing destination for international consumer brands.

What Investors Will Watch

Industry participants will closely monitor:

• Ramp-up of production at the Karur plant.
• Growth in Adidas’ sourcing from India.
• Capacity utilization.
• Employment generation.
• Future expansion by Evervan Group and Kothari Industrial Corporation.
• Additional investments by global footwear brands in India.

Successful execution could encourage more multinational companies to expand manufacturing operations across India.

Outlook

Adidas’ decision to expand sourcing through the new Evervan Kothari facility marks another significant milestone in India’s growing role within global footwear manufacturing. As international brands continue diversifying production networks, India is increasingly emerging as a strategic sourcing destination supported by competitive manufacturing costs, skilled labor, and improving infrastructure.

With substantial production capacity, strong export potential, and significant employment opportunities, the Karur facility is expected to strengthen both Adidas’ global supply chain and India’s position as a key manufacturing hub for the international footwear industry.