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Technology/Machinery

adidas to set up first SPEEDFACTORY for automated footwear production in Germany

SPEEDFACTORIES are designed to create high-performance sporting goods faster than ever before by using automated manufacturing.

9th December 2015

Innovation in Textiles
 |  Herzogenaurach

Clothing/​Footwear, Sports/​Outdoor, Sustainable

Adidas, the leading sportswear brand, has revealed a first glimpse into how the company sees the future of production with its pilot SPEEDFACTORY in Germany.

According to the company, SPEEDFACTORIES are designed to create high-performance sporting goods faster than ever before by using automated manufacturing to bring production to where the consumer is. 

"SPEEDFACTORY combines the design and development of sporting goods with an automated, decentralised and flexible manufacturing process. This flexibility opens doors for us to be much closer to the market and to where our consumer is," said Herbert Hainer, CEO of the adidas Group. "Ultimately we are at the forefront of innovating our industry by expanding the boundaries for how, where and when we can manufacture our industry-leading products."

Intelligent robotic technology

SPEEDFACTORY includes intelligent robotic technology that is said to offer the highest performance quality and unique shoe design opportunities. The first concept shoes comprising 500 pairs of running footwear will be revealed in the first half of 2016, with high-volume production for consumers set to launch in the near future.

The company is currently setting up the pilot SPEEDFACTORY in Ansbach with Oechsler AG. As well as meeting the needs of consumers, the SPEEDFACTORY network aims to have a significant positive impact on the environment by cutting down on shipping emissions, whilst drastically reducing the use of adhesives.

Automated production

"The set-up of the first SPEEDFACTORY has kicked off in Ansbach, Germany, to propel a global network of automated production, which brings cutting-edge technology to cities around the world,” said Gerd Manz, Vice President Technology Innovation at adidas.

“These first 500 pairs will help us set the scene for large-scale commercial production so each consumer can locally get what they want, when they want it, faster than ever.”

SPEEDFACTORY is just the beginning in adidas' vision to offer consumers a holistic high-tech experience using innovative manufacturing technologies, in-store customisation and interactive digital experiences.

 www.adidas-group.com

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