Lotto Bangladesh is investing Tk 150 crore to establish a new footwear manufacturing plant in Kapasia, Gazipur. The Italian sports and lifestyle brand announced the project as it marks 15 years of operations in the country, according to a report by The Daily Star.
Managing Director Kazi Jamil Islam shared the plan at a media gathering at Gulshan Club in Dhaka. The new facility will create 1,800 employment opportunities for local people.
The factory will produce footwear using thermoplastic rubber, ethylene-vinyl acetate, polyurethane and polyvinyl chloride. These materials are widely used in shoe soles, synthetic leather and moulded footwear products. The plant will primarily serve the local market, with potential for exports in the future.
The expansion strategy also includes growing the retail network and developing local entrepreneurs. Lotto currently operates 137 outlets and 110 franchise outlets across the country and has served more than one crore customers.
The company is preparing to launch an Entrepreneur Development Programme targeting young and aspiring businesspeople at the thana level. Participants will receive guidance on business operations, logistics support and potential access to financing through partner institutions. The brand aims to help successful entrepreneurs build networks of up to 20 outlets over the next 10 years.
The initiative will help young business owners create companies to international standards while generating jobs across the country. Lotto also sees potential to manufacture products for other international brands in Bangladesh.
Lotto unveiled its Puja collection and previewed its upcoming winter range of footwear, apparel and lifestyle products during the event. The company plans to expand its retail footprint, introduce new products and strengthen local manufacturing as it enters its next phase of growth.