When it comes to sportswear, Adidas is a globally recognized brand that has cemented its reputation for quality and style. As a seller looking to source products for your business, you might ask yourself: where are Adidas made?
The answer is simple: Adidas products are produced all over the world, with manufacturing facilities scattered across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
This article aims to provide insights into the importance of manufacturing locations for your business and how understanding the Adidas supply chain can help you make informed decisions.
The History of Adidas Manufacturing
First, let’s understand how it all started. Adidas was founded by Adolf Dassler in 1949 in Herzogenaurach, Germany. The company only started with 47 employees who focused primarily on crafting sports shoes.
The brand soon gained popularity, thanks to their innovative designs and the iconic three-stripe trademark.
In the mid-20th century, Adidas began expanding their manufacturing operations outside Germany. This allowed them to reach new markets and customers across the globe.
As the Adidas brand grew, so did its product line. They started diversifying their offerings to include not just footwear, but also apparel and accessories.
The company became a powerhouse in the sports industry and cemented its position as one of the world’s leading manufacturers.
Over the years, Adidas’ manufacturing operations have shifted to mainly Asia to take advantage of lower production costs and efficient supply chains.
They now have factories in more than 65 countries, with a large portion of their production in China, Vietnam, and other Asian countries.
Today, Adidas is considered the second-largest athletic clothing manufacturer globally, just behind Nike.
With a growing focus on sustainability and automation, Adidas launched the innovative SpeedFactory project.
By leveraging advanced technologies such as robotics and 3D printing, the company aimed to revolutionize how athletic footwear and apparel are made.
The SpeedFactory initiative showcased Adidas’ dedication to providing high-quality products while reducing their environmental impact.
Where Are Adidas Made?
Asia-Pacific Region
Adidas primarily manufactures its products in the Asia-Pacific region, with over 50% of its shoes and apparel production taking place in countries like China, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
China has the highest number of Adidas factories, followed by Vietnam and Indonesia. Other countries in this region, including Bangladesh, Korea, India, the Philippines, and Taiwan, also produce Adidas products.
- China. More than 100 factories produce around 25% of Adidas products worldwide.
- Vietnam. With 76 production facilities, Vietnam is a major hub for Adidas manufacturing.
- Indonesia. Home to 45 Adidas factories, Indonesia is an important player in the company’s supply chain.
Americas Region
In the Americas region, countries like Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and the United States also contribute to Adidas manufacturing. Some of the key locations are:
- Brazil. As a key market in South America, Brazil hosts several Adidas manufacturing facilities.
- Mexico. With factories producing Adidas products, Mexico plays a significant role in the brand’s supply chain efforts.
- USA. Although Adidas has most of its production overseas, the United States still has a few manufacturing locations.
Europe Region
Adidas was founded in Germany and maintains a strong manufacturing presence in Europe.
While Turkey has over ten Adidas factories, other countries like Belgium, Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, and Russia also host manufacturing centers.
Germany remains a crucial player in the company’s legacy, focusing on innovation and sustainability in its production practices.
- Germany. Adidas’s headquarters and key research and development center.
- Turkey. An important manufacturing base for Adidas in Europe with multiple factories.
Africa Region
Africa contributes to Adidas’s global supply chain with countries like South Africa, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Tunisia hosting manufacturing facilities.
The African continent is known for its textile expertise and growing market presence for the brand.
- South Africa. With several factories, South Africa is an important hub for Adidas production in the African region.
Adidas aims to manage its diverse global supply chain effectively, ensuring high standards and sustainable practices.
By distributing its manufacturing across several continents, Adidas can cater to various markets and balance production demands.
Factors Influencing the Production Locations of Adidas
As a seller looking for manufacturers, understanding the factors that influence Adidas’ choice of production locations can provide valuable insights for your own business.
Here are several key factors that contribute to their decision-making process:
1. Skilled Workforce
A talented and experienced workforce is essential for ensuring high-quality products. Adidas primarily produces its products in Asia, where they have access to a large pool of skilled labor.
2. Quality Standards
Maintaining impeccable quality standards is crucial for a globally recognized brand like Adidas. They work with an array of independent manufacturing partners to ensure that their products meet strict quality requirements.
3. Ethical and Sustainability Practices
Adidas is committed to social and environmental compliance throughout its supply chain. They invest in long-term partnerships with suppliers who adhere to their ethical and sustainable standards.
4. Cost Efficiency
Low-cost production is important for keeping prices competitive in the market. Adidas typically chooses manufacturing locations with lower labor and operational costs, such as Asian countries.
5. Market Proximity
Adidas needs to be close to its major markets for faster product distribution. Producing in regions like Asia allows them to cater more efficiently to the rapidly growing markets in the continent.
6. Infrastructure and Logistics
Efficient infrastructure and logistic networks are essential for timely product delivery. Adidas looks for manufacturing facilities in regions with well-developed transportation and communication networks.
7. Supplier Network
A strong and reliable supplier network ensures that Adidas can source the necessary raw materials for its products. They maintain a diverse network of suppliers spread across various geographical regions.
8. Technology and Automation
Adidas seeks out manufacturing locations with access to cutting-edge technology and automation, enabling them to produce their products more efficiently and sustainably.
Understanding the Adidas Supply Chain
When considering the Adidas supply chain, it’s essential to understand that they work with a wide network of manufacturing partners, subcontractors, and licensees to create their products.
This vast global supply chain often focuses on long-term strategic relationships to support their growing business.
In your quest to find manufacturers for your business, this insight into the Adidas supply chain can provide you with better guidance.
They outsource most of their production and work with independent supplier facilities across multiple countries to manufacture their products. By doing so, they maintain a stable and reliable connection with their sourcing partners.
Adidas is also committed to transparency and public disclosure, which is why they’ve published their global factory lists since 2007.
This includes information about their primary suppliers, subcontractors, licensees, and suppliers responsible for most wet processes.
Moreover, Adidas has been recognized for its sustainability efforts throughout their supply chain. They incorporate environmentally responsible practices to ensure a more sustainable future in sports apparel.
Behind the Scene: Health, Safety, and Compliance in Adidas Factories
When it comes to the well-being of workers in their factories, Adidas prioritizes health, safety, and compliance. Adidas works diligently with the Fair Labor Association to ensure that the rights and dignity of every worker are respected.
Adherence to the Adidas Workplace Standards is critical to their relationships with manufacturers.
These standards are a thorough set of guidelines covering various issues, including health and safety measures, workers’ rights, and environmental responsibility.
The company continually reviews and updates these standards to ensure they remain relevant and effective.
One of the key tools to maintain compliance is the Adidas Code of Conduct, which sets the foundation for responsible business practices within the company and its supply chain.
This document is shared with all partners, providing clear expectations regarding fair labor practices, health, safety, and environmental management.
Monitoring the performance of suppliers is an essential part of maintaining responsible working conditions. Adidas employs a comprehensive rating system that assesses their partners’ social and environmental practices.
This system considers factors like due diligence, workers’ rights, health and safety provisions, and environmental management.
In addition to the rating system, Adidas conducts regular audits of factories to ensure compliance with their Workplace Standards.
By evaluating, identifying, and addressing issues proactively, Adidas can maintain a responsible and sustainable supply chain that benefits workers, the environment, and the business.
As you explore potential manufacturers for your business, you must consider these factors. By prioritizing health, safety, and compliance, you can ensure a sustainable and responsible partnership that benefits all stakeholders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Are the Major Suppliers for Adidas Products?
Adidas outsources most of its production to a variety of suppliers around the world. They are committed to transparency and public disclosure, so they have fully disclosed their global factory lists and published detailed information about their suppliers.
What Are the Primary Adidas Manufacturing Locations?
Adidas manufactures most of its products in Asia and Europe, with China being the leading country for production, followed by Vietnam, Indonesia, and India.
In addition, they also have factories in countries like the United States, Germany, Italy, France, and the United Kingdom.
What Are Some Potential Adidas Supply Chain Challenges in 2023?
As with any global brand, there are potential challenges in the supply chain.
One possible challenge could be managing the diverse group of suppliers Adidas works with, ensuring quality and ethical standards are maintained.
The company is also committed to sustainability and environmental preservation, so they may need to continuously evaluate their environmental impact and improve in these areas.
How Can I Find Shoe Manufacturers?
If you are looking for shoe manufacturers, you can start by researching options from various online resources.
One such resource is the Top 14 Shoe Manufacturers in China, which provides a list of potential suppliers.
Moreover, you can find specific wholesale sneaker suppliers in China to get the right manufacturing partner for your business needs.
Remember to evaluate potential manufacturers for quality assurance, production capacity, and their commitment to ethical business practices before making a final decision.
Finding Manufacturers in China with Niche
Adidas, a well-known sports brand, has a significant part of its production in China. This is an example of how many brands opt to source from or outsource their production to China.
China’s growing manufacturing industry attracts businesses because of its cost-effectiveness, skilled workforce, and advanced production technology.
However, finding the right manufacturer can be difficult. A sourcing agent like NicheSources can help you navigate the process more efficiently by connecting you with reliable manufacturers specializing in your niche.
By leveraging our services, you can benefit from our connections and expertise in the Chinese market to find quality manufacturers for your business.
This makes finding the right match for your manufacturing needs a much more streamlined process and ensures that you’re working with a reputable supplier.
So, if you’re considering moving your manufacturing to China or sourcing products from there, why not request a free quote from us at NicheSources?
We’ll guide you towards finding the right manufacturer to help your business grow and thrive, just like Adidas.
