According to reports, following adidas‘ termination of its partnership with Ye and YEEZY, partner footwear manufacturer Okabashi has been forced to lay off most of its workforce. In a statement, the Buford, Georgia-based company revealed it was forced to fire two-thirds of its employees (142 staff) after adidas cut ties with YEEZY.
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Back in April 2020, Okabashi entered a contract with Adidas to produce YEEZY products, specifically the Adidas YEEZY Foam Runner. The staff let go due to the sudden stop of orders from Adidas have been terminated with severance and extended healthcare coverage. Okabashi has revealed that it is now working with local agencies and manufacturers to help laid-off staff with finding new employment.
In its statement, Okabashi also noted that it supports adidas’ decision to part ways with Ye and YEEZY. “Adidas clearly does not tolerate hate speech and Okabashi also stands for these values.”
