JR One Footwear's Expansion Strategy: New Factories, Global Brands, and Job Creation

JR One Footwear Pvt Ltd, a collaboration between Phoenix Kothari Footwear Ltd and Taiwan's ShoeTown Group, is set to expand its operations in Tamil Nadu. The company plans to establish two more manufacturing facilities and leather component clusters, with a total investment of Rs 5,000 crore, generating significant employment opportunities.

JR One Footwear Pvt Ltd, a joint venture between Phoenix Kothari Footwear Ltd and Taiwan-based ShoeTown Group, announced plans to extend their footprint in Tamil Nadu by setting up two additional manufacturing facilities and leather component clusters, revealed a top company official on Tuesday.

The company has already pledged investments amounting to Rs 5,000 crore for a factory in Perambalur to produce the 'Crocs' range of footwear. Spanning 50 acres, the facility has created approximately 1,700 jobs, both directly and indirectly, in the district located about 250 km south of Chennai.

"We are expanding to two more districts for new manufacturing facilities. We will also bring in two more international footwear brands, to be announced soon," Phoenix Kothari Footwear Ltd Chairman J Rafiq Ahmed said during an interaction.

Globally, Shoetown Group is a leading footwear manufacturer. The Kothari Group has exclusive ties with Ron Chang, Chairman of Shoetown Group, for footwear manufacturing in India. "I am happy to work with our brother Rafeeq in Tamil Nadu. This partnership is poised for growth and immense future value," Chang stated regarding his collaboration with the Kothari Group.

Elaborating on the expansion plans, Ahmed noted, "We aim to bring more global brands. Next year, factories in two new districts will begin operations. Once these component clusters are operational, it will significantly boost job creation, especially since most components are presently imported from China and Vietnam."

The company confirmed that the total investment at Perambalur, inclusive of component manufacturing and footwear production, stands at Rs 5,000 crore. Addressing the current production capacity, it was noted that improvements will follow as employees complete their training.

Ahmed and Chang were in the city to inaugurate a new restaurant, UNA VILLA, on Uthamar Gandhi Road in Nungambakkam.

(With inputs from agencies.)