Today over 100 people gathered at the site of “Niedersachsenpark” to witness the laying of the foundation stone of the adidas Group’s new Central Distribution Centre (CDC) in Osnabrück, Germany. The largest and most sophisticated distribution center in the adidas Group’s history is an important investment into our future business.

Why the new Distribution Center is so important for the adidas Group:

“Ladies and gentlemen, I’m excited that our company is making history here in Osnabrück,” Glenn Bennett (member of the adidas Group board and responsible for Global OperationsGlobal Operations (GOPSGlobal Operations (GOPS) is the overriding organisation for all functions which help to create products for all adidas Group brands and get them to the marketplace. Everyday Global Operations teams across the globe ensure products are created, tested, commercialised, mass produced and shipped to over 70 countries around the world.) is the overriding organisation for all functions which help to create products for all adidas Group brands and get them to the marketplace. Everyday Global Operations teams across the globe ensure products are created, tested, commercialised, mass produced and shipped to over 70 countries around the world.) announced in his opening speech. “2011 will be another record year for us, and we’re confident of the continuing of this growth in the future, as we keep investing in and enhancing our supply chain. The new distribution center we are building on this site will be absolutely key to supporting our company goal of reaching 17 billion Euro in sales by 2015.” The Group will have invested over 100 million Euro in Niedersachsen before the completion of the facility in 2013.

Glen also extended his gratitude to local authorities for supporting the Group in setting up the new CDC, who along with the vendors played a vital role in realising the tight deadlines and fulfilling their responsibilities to the best of their abilities.

Wim van Aalst (Head of Business Solutions, adidas Group), Georg Schirmbeck (Niedersachsenpark, MdB), Alfred Focke (District Administrator, administrative district Vechta), Josef Schlarmann (Niedersachsenpar), Manfred Hugo (District Administrator Osnabrück), Glenn Bennett (member of the board and responsible for Global Operations, adidas Group), Ingo Steves (Gazeley Germany)

Bringing Wholesale, Retail and eCommerceElectronic commerce stands for business transactions conducted on the internet. under one roof:

As Wim Van Aalst (Head of Business Solutions)  revealed in his speech to the audience, “The CDC will offer employment opportunities to over 200 people in the region. Through the establishment of this facility, we hope to bring Wholesale, Retail, and eCommerceElectronic commerce stands for business transactions conducted on the internet. under one roof. Once the facility is fully functional, every third article we deliver in Western Europe will be supplied through this new CDC.” He also thanked the internal project team saying, “The team gave it their all over the past months and worked round the clock to make this day a reality for the Group.”

The laying of the foundation stone – a momentous occasion:

The foundation stone contained memoirs such as a copy of the adidas Group’s employee magazine, the Group’s annual report and a daily newspaper. “Today we are not merely laying the foundation stone of this new facility, we are laying the foundation of a long and trusted professional relationship with our stakeholders and partners in this region,” said Wim in conclusion.

Toda’s momentous occasion included also speeches by the politicians Dr Lübbersmann, Head of the District Authority of Osnabrück, Mr Schirmbeck, Chairman of the Niedersachsenpark GmbH and Mr Harms, Mayor of the community of Rieste.