From Our Correspondent
Amaravati/Chittoor: In a major boost to Andhra Pradesh’s manufacturing ambitions, Hwaseung, one of the world’s leading footwear manufacturers and a key supplier to global sportswear giant Adidas, has chosen Andhra Pradesh for its first manufacturing facility in India, reversing its earlier plan to establish the unit in neighbouring Tamil Nadu.
The South Korean company will invest ₹898 crore in three phases to set up a non-leather sports footwear manufacturing plant at Pogurupalle village in Gudupalle mandal of Chittoor district. The project is expected to generate 17,465 jobs, with a majority of the employment opportunities likely to be created for women.
The development marks a significant victory for the Andhra Pradesh government, which successfully persuaded the company to shift its proposed investment after Tamil Nadu had already reached an initial understanding with the firm.
₹898-crore investment in Chittoor to create over 17,000 jobs; foundation stone likely on July 3 or 4 in Kuppam constituency
From Tamil Nadu to Andhra Pradesh
In August 2025, the Tamil Nadu government had signed a memorandum of understanding with Hwaseung for setting up a non-leather sports shoe manufacturing unit. The company had initially identified Thoothukudi district as the preferred location for the project.
However, during subsequent evaluations, the company reportedly found Andhra Pradesh’s industrial ecosystem more attractive. Officials highlighted the state’s single-desk clearance mechanism, faster approvals, investor-friendly policies and willingness to provide necessary incentives.
The Andhra Pradesh government then initiated discussions with the company, eventually convincing it to establish the project in the state instead.
Kuppam gets a marquee investment
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is understood to have personally suggested that the plant be located in Kuppam Assembly constituency, which he represents. The company agreed, following which the government allotted 100 acres for the project at Pogurupalle.
The factory will have an annual production capacity of 2 million pairs of sports shoes, most of which will be exported to international markets.
Industry officials say this will be one of the largest employment-generating manufacturing projects to come to Kuppam since the NDA government assumed office in Andhra Pradesh.
Global manufacturing footprint expands
Hwaseung already operates manufacturing facilities in South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, Indonesia and China. The Andhra Pradesh project will become the company’s first production base in India, strengthening the state’s position as an emerging hub for export-oriented manufacturing.
The project is also expected to strengthen Andhra Pradesh’s growing footwear and textile manufacturing ecosystem while complementing the state’s strategy of attracting large labour-intensive industries.
Foundation stone in July first week
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and senior representatives of Hwaseung are expected to lay the foundation stone for the project on July 3 or July 4. The Chief Minister is also likely to inaugurate or lay foundation stones for several other industrial projects during the visit.
The arrival of Hwaseung is seen as another significant investment win for Andhra Pradesh, demonstrating the state’s ability to compete with established manufacturing destinations and attract globally integrated supply chain companies.