Adidas To Close Robot 'Speedfactories' in Germany and US
Nov 23, 2019, by Chris
Adidas will its close high-tech “robot” Speedfactories in Germany and the United States, it has emerged some days ago. Some of the technology would be deployed in Asia where it would be “more economic and flexible”. Story and quotes via Reuters.
Called "Speedfactory", the Adidas factories were part of a drive to meet demand for faster delivery of new styles. It was originally planned as a global network of similar factories.
Adidas To Continue Working With German Company Oechsler On "Boost Shoes, Soccer Shoes And Advanced 3D Printed Soles
Adidas did not give details for why it was closing the facilities - the factories will be discontinued by April 2020. Adidas will use the technologies they developed to produce shoes at two of its suppliers in Asia.
Martin Shankland, Adidas head of global operations, said the factories had helped the company improve its expertise in innovative manufacturing, but applying what it had learnt with its suppliers would be “more flexible and economic”.
Adidas started production of shoes largely by robots at its “Speedfactory” in Ansbach near its German headquarters in 2016 and opened another near Atlanta in 2017.
Adidas also said that they would continue to work with Oechsler, the German company which operates the two factories, in other areas, "including producing soles for its springy Boost shoes, as well as soles for soccer shoes and advanced 3D printed soles.
Adidas relies on more than 1 million workers in contract factories, particularly in China and Vietnam.
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No More Volt: Reebok Santa Cruz 26-27 Third Kit Released
Brazilian club Santa Cruz FC and Reebok have officially unveiled the team's new third kit for the 26-27 season. Titled "A Profecia de 57", the special-edition release celebrates two defining moments in the club's history: the 1957 anthem written by Capiba that coined the nickname "O Terror do Nordeste", and the 2016 Copa do Nordeste title that fulfilled the prophecy ten years ago.
The Reebok Santa Cruz 26-27 third jersey introduces an elegant black and gold design. Across the black base, intricate golden fractured lines trace the geographical outline of Brazil's Northeast region. The front of the shirt features Santa Cruz's classic interlocking SCFC monogram badge rendered in metallic gold, mirrored by Reebok's vector logo on the opposite side. A sharp v-neck collar with gold trim and matching sleeve cuffs complete the look.
Subtle commemorative emblems highlighting "A Profecia de 57" and "O Terror do Nordeste" decorate the release alongside gold numbering on the reverse. Matching black shorts and socks with gold accents complete the new Santa Cruz third uniform.
Club Africain 26-27 Third Kit Released
Following the unveiling of their home kit earlier two weeks ago, Tunisian giants Club Africain and technical sponsor Kelme have officially launched the club's new third kit for the 26-27 campaign.
The Kelme Club Africain 26-27 third jersey delivers a sleek and stealthy design, featuring a black base elevated by an intricate tonal graphic pattern with calligraphic undertones across the front and sleeves. Strong contrast comes via the classic fold-over collar, styled in red with thin white tipping, matched by solid red sleeve cuffs. Below the rear collar, the shirt includes the club motto "Beyond the last breath" stamped in red.
The shirt is finished with white details for the Kelme paw logo and front sponsor Ooredoo, sitting alongside the traditional red and white Club Africain crest. Matching black shorts and socks complete the full look for the Tunisian side.
Adidas Marseille 27-28
No more Puma - the return of the Three Stripes. More about the Marseille 27-28 kits very soon on Footy Headlines (and already on Kit Creator).
Boca Juniors Tribute: Sint-Truiden 26-27 European Kit Released
Belgian Pro League club Sint-Truidense VV has officially unveiled its new European kit for the 26-27 season, produced by regional brand Olympic. The special strip was revealed during the premiere of the club documentary 'Expeditie Kanarie: de weg naar Europa' at CC De Bogaard, celebrating STVV's historic first qualification for the main stages of European competition in club history.
The Olympic Sint-Truiden 26-27 European jersey draws heavy inspiration from Boca Juniors while paying tribute to the club's iconic late-1980s 'BT-shirt'. It features a royal blue base highlighted by a bold yellow horizontal chest band that accommodates the Maruhan sponsor logo. The STVV crest and Olympic branding are centered neatly above the chest stripe, complemented by yellow trim along the V-neck collar and sleeve cuffs. Matching blue shorts and yellow socks complete the look.
Sint-Truiden will wear the new kit throughout their 26-27 UEFA Conference League league phase campaign, where their fixtures include matchups against Ajax, Hajduk Split, SK Brann, FC Midtjylland, FC Lugano, and FC Iberia 1999 Tbilisi.
