Apache aims to double Adidas shoe production

Apache Footwear India, the manufacturer for Adidas shoes in India, aims to double production of shoes from its special economic zone (SEZ) here to 8 lakh pairs a month by 2014.

At present, about four lakh pair of shoes are produced every month from the SEZ, located in Mambattu village of Nellore district.

"We have a target to double the production of shoes to 8 lakh pairs per month by 2014," Apache Footwear General Manager Phillip Chen said.

The company's SEZ, spread over 314 acres, recorded a turnover of Rs 240 crore in 2010 and provides employment to about 6,300 people.

The company also plans to set up a development centre and supply centre in the state. These centres would help reduce the time taken for production of shoes.

"We are expecting that the turnover will increase to Rs 300 crore this year," Chen said, adding that a proposed supplier park will help the firm bring down the lead time for production from two months at present to just five days.

Apache exports its shoes mainly to Europe, the US and Russia.

Chen said the firm is also trying to convince Adidas to buy raw material from India. "We are importing the entire raw material mainly from China, Vietnam and Indonesia," he added.

Germany-based Adidas is a leading sports apparel and equipment manufacturer.