Adidas to open its first U.S. plant in metro Atlanta (credit, employment)

[Airforceguy]

The more than 74,000-square-foot "Speedfactory" in Cherokee County will be online by the end of next year. Over time, Adidas is expected to double the size of the plant.

The more than $20 million factory will be located at Cherokee 75 Corporate Park, a 135-acre industrial site. The park is in an Opportunity Zone, qualifying companies that locate there for a $3,500 tax credit per job created.

Georgia competed with at least five states for the project, including some in the Southeast, a source said.

The Speedfactory model, which relies on automation and production robots, challenges the idea of centralized production and makes the product closer to where the consumers are. That allows the manufacturer to be more flexible to changing consumer tastes and refresh product styles faster.

"This allows us to make product for the consumer, with the consumer, where the consumer lives in real time, (creating) opportunities for customization in America,” Herzogenaurach, Germany-based Adidas noted in a statement.

Adidas will produce 50,000 pairs of shoes in 2017 at the metro Atlanta plans, with plans to grow that volume to 500,000 pairs annually over time.

Using advanced manufacturing technologies and industrial robots, the factory allows Adidas to mass produce shoes in a variety of color, materials and sizes.

"With the first U.S.-based Speedfactory, we’re combining some of the world’s best technology and manufacturing processes to give our consumers access to constant newness," Adidas Group Executive Board Member Glenn Bennett noted.

U.S. production allows Adidas to serve the massive U.S. market more efficiently — sourcing raw materials locally and reducing shipping costs.

Atlanta's reputation as a "key transportation hub for the U.S." and its deep sports history, made the region an attractive site to locate the plant, an Adidas spokeswoman said.

"Sports are core to who we are, and Atlanta is a hub for

http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/n...n-atlanta.html

[DreamerD]

Originally Posted by Airforceguy

http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/n...n-atlanta.html

So am I right in assuming that the jobs created from this will just go to robots? Haha. I am pretty sure there will be some customer service and delivery jobs bitiouds as if the bulk of employment will go to robots.

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by DreamerD

So am I right in assuming that the jobs created from this will just go to robots? Haha. I am pretty sure there will be some customer service and delivery jobs bitiouds as if the bulk of employment will go to robots.

We humans will be reduced to walking around with oil cans to service our robot masters.

That's one reason I don't mind getting old.

[flamadiddle]

Originally Posted by DreamerD

So am I right in assuming that the jobs created from this will just go to robots? Haha. I am pretty sure there will be some customer service and delivery jobs bitiouds as if the bulk of employment will go to robots.

Yep, robots/automation are the future. Humans need not apply.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Pq-S557XQU

[rcsteiner]

Originally Posted by flamadiddle

Yep, robots/automation are the future. Humans need not apply.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Pq-S557XQU

Bah. Someone still needs to write the code.

[flamadiddle]

Originally Posted by rcsteiner

Bah. Someone still needs to write the code.

true, until the robots start writing their own code and as part of that code, decide to eliminate the vermin humans!

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by flamadiddle

true, until the robots start writing their own code and as part of that code, decide to eliminate the vermin humans!

I agree.

[TheTravelinMan]

Originally Posted by flamadiddle

true, until the robots start writing their own code and as part of that code, decide to eliminate the vermin humans!

Wasn't one of those robots the Governor of California

[tikigod311]

I have been debating if this really is that great of an addition. However, 160 jobs is 160 jobs. Plus, it is pretty high tech, probably helps solidify the metro's standing as the place for tech in the SE.

[Mutiny77]

Originally Posted by tikigod311

I have been debating if this really is that great of an addition. However, 160 jobs is 160 jobs. Plus, it is pretty high tech, probably helps solidify the metro's standing as the place for tech in the SE.

I think it boils down to ROI in view of the incentives offered.