Smart Footwear – Andhra Pradesh Seeks Faster Investment from Korean Firms
Smart Footwear – Andhra Pradesh Minister for Human Resources Development and Information Technology Nara Lokesh has invited South Korean companies Shoealls Co. Ltd. and SOLUM Group to accelerate their proposed investments in the State. During meetings in Seoul on Monday, the minister highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s manufacturing ecosystem and encouraged both firms to expand their planned operations.
Shoealls Asked to Advance Rs 300-Crore Footwear Project
Lokesh met Shoealls Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Lee Cheong-geun during his official visit to South Korea. He urged the company to move ahead quickly with its proposed Rs 300-crore smart healthcare footwear manufacturing facility in Andhra Pradesh.
The proposed unit is expected to generate employment for about 3,000 people, according to the State government. Lokesh said the project could strengthen the State’s position in specialised footwear production while creating opportunities for local workers and supporting industries.
Proposal for Research and Distribution Operations
The minister also asked Shoealls to consider setting up a research and development centre along with an innovation facility in Andhra Pradesh. He suggested that the State could serve as a retail and distribution base for the company’s products in India and other markets.
Shoealls manufactures medical footwear certified by South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. Its products use features such as magnetic therapy, shock-absorbing materials, cooling soles and antibacterial components.
During the discussion, Lee said the company is also working on artificial intelligence-enabled medical footwear. The development programme is being carried out in collaboration with Seoul National University and Ewha Womans University Medical Centre.
Company Signals Interest in State Expansion
Lee said Shoealls would give positive consideration to the Andhra Pradesh government’s proposals related to its planned investment and possible expansion in the State. The company’s response could help determine the timeline for the manufacturing project and its related research activities.
The State government has been seeking investments in sectors that combine manufacturing, healthcare technology and innovation. The proposed footwear facility is expected to support this broader industrial strategy if it moves into the implementation stage.
SOLUM Encouraged to Broaden Sri City Manufacturing Plans
In another meeting in Seoul, Lokesh held discussions with SOLUM Global Operations Officer Jeagab Ha. He asked the South Korean company to expand its manufacturing presence in Andhra Pradesh by adding Electronic Shelf Labels and other display-related products at its upcoming unit in Sri City.
The minister welcomed SOLUM’s decision to establish a Rs 338-crore manufacturing facility at Sri City. The unit is planned to produce electric vehicle charger power modules and automotive electronics.
Lokesh requested the company to complete the project on schedule and begin commercial production at the earliest. He said faster commissioning of the facility would contribute to the State’s growing electronics and electric mobility supply chain.
Display Ecosystem Seen as a Growth Opportunity
Highlighting Andhra Pradesh’s electronics manufacturing base, Lokesh pointed to the display assembly facility operated by CSOT, a TCL Group company, in Tirupati. He said the presence of this facility could create an opportunity for SOLUM to diversify into Electronic Shelf Labels and display-related manufacturing.
The proposed expansion could support the development of a wider electronics supply network in the region. State officials believe that attracting component makers and display technology companies can help strengthen industrial activity, employment and exports over time.