FBT (company)

Last updated
Football Thai Factory Sporting Goods Co, Ltd.
Company type Limited
Industry Sportswear
apparel industry
FoundedSeptember 30, 1952;72 years ago (September 30, 1952)
FounderKamol Chokephaibulkit
HeadquartersBangkok,
FBT Sport Complex Co.Ltd. FBT Sport Complex Hua Mark and Outlet. 537 Ramkhamhaeng Road, Hua Mark sub-district, Bangkapi district, 13.8023° N , 100.7217° E
,
Thailand
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
Kamol Chokephaibulkit
(President)
Phaveena Chokephaibulkit
(Managing Director)
Products Athletic shoes
Apparel
Sports equipment
Services02-718-4700-44
Number of employees
(November 2009) 2,800
Website fbtsports.com

Football Thai Factory Sporting Goods Co, Ltd., also known as FBT, is a Thai sports equipment company that has the biggest sports store in Asia which is the FBT sport complex and also has over 300 stores nationwide. FBT exports to over 40 countries worldwide. In 2009 it had over 2,800 employees and an annual turnover of over US$50 million.

Contents

The company has sponsored various sporting events in Thailand aiming to make people healthy and to improve the society through sports.

History [1]

In 1947, Kamol Chokephaibulkit emigrated from China to Thailand. Initially working as a leather repairman, Chokephaibulkit’s interest in sports equipment began in 1950 when he was asked to repair an imported football. After studying its design, he began making footballs by hand, producing two to three balls per day from his home. He later sold these footballs through well-known sporting goods stores of the era, such as Nightingale Olympic and Malinee Department Store.

In 1952, this endeavor led to the establishment of the Football Thai Factory, which expanded and became Football Thai Factory Sporting Goods Co., Ltd. (FBT) in 1954. The company’s first factory was located in Lad Krabang, Bangkok. By 1961, FBT had opened its first retail store in Siam Square, then known as Chamchuri Square. In 1963, Kamol Chokephaibulkit had the opportunity to present FBT-made footballs and rugby balls to King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama IX, during the Thai Products Exhibition, marking a significant milestone for the company.

FBT continued to grow and gained recognition at the 1966 Asian Games in Bangkok, where it served as an official sponsor. The company’s profile grew among Thai and international athletes, leading to the opening of FBT’s flagship retail store near Suphachalasai Stadium (National Stadium). In 1978, FBT became the first Asian company to receive certification from the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) for its footballs, which were subsequently used in the 8th Asian Games in Bangkok.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, FBT received multiple awards, including the Best Sporting Goods Manufacturer Award (1984) and the Prime Minister’s Export Award (1988). In 1992, FBT became the first Thai sports manufacturer to sponsor the National Olympic Committee of Thailand, supporting Thai teams in the SEA Games, Asian Games, and Olympic Games. This partnership with Thai sports organizations has continued for decades, including a long-standing sponsorship with The Football Association of Thailand.

The 1990s saw further expansion, including the opening of a second factory in 1993, which became one of Thailand’s largest sports equipment facilities, and the establishment of the FBT Sport Complex in 1995. By 1998, FBT was the main sponsor of the 12th Asian Games in Bangkok and gained rights to manufacture products for the 1998 World Cup in France.

FBT celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2002 and has since continued to grow. In the 2000s, the company expanded its sponsorships and awards, receiving the Superbrands prize in 2005 and 2007. It also became the primary sponsor of the International Federation of Petanque. In 2008, FBT opened a new manufacturing building for sports clothing, followed by a fitness center in 2009 within the FBT Sport Complex. The company also actively supports local communities, providing a sports field in the Lad Krabang and Nong Chok districts.

In recent years, FBT has maintained a role as an official sponsor for multiple international and regional sports events, including the Deaf Futsal World Cup in 2015, the Asian Beach Games in 2016, and the SEA Games in 2017. Today, FBT remains a prominent name in Thailand’s sports industry, known for its contributions to sports development both locally and in the broader Southeast Asian region.

Domestic Product [2]

FBT product

Team sport

  • Football / Futsal
  • Vollayball
  • Basketball
  • Handball
  • Softball
  • Baseball
  • Hackey
  • Rugby
  • Takraw

Racket sport

  • Batminton
  • Tennin
  • Table tennis
  • Pickleball
  • Squash

Fighting sport

  • Boxing
  • Taekwondo
  • Karate
  • Judo

Speed and Strength

  • Swimming
  • Running
  • Gymnastic
  • Fitness
  • Cycling
  • Petanque

Other

Other sport equipment such as water bottle, sport bag or stopwatch

Export product

F.B.T. company at first sold various kinds of sport products that are now exported worldwide for over 40 countries and also have 16 partners including British, Australia, Canada, Russia, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Myanmar, Lao, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Nepal and Cambodia [3] . The company is a high-capacity manufacturer of sports equipment, producing over 10,000 sportswear items, 12,000 balls, 4,000 rackets, and 3,000 boxing products daily. Their products include customized sportswear, internationally certified balls (FIFA, FIBA, FIVB, IHF), tennis, badminton, and squash rackets, as well as boxing gear like gloves, headgear, and boxing rings used in major international events. All products can be customized with client branding to meet specific needs.

Financial

Profit [4]

YearProfit (THB)Growth from the previous year (percentage)
2014-38,654,274
2015-72,670,906- 88
2016-707,756,908- 873.9
201747,091,323+ 106.7
20181,333,532,866+ 2731.8
201958,403,479- 95.6
20203,116,575- 94.7
2021-2,651,468- 185.1
2022-5,765,016- 117.4
2023-2,848,876+ 50.6

Net property [4]

YearNet Property (THB)Growth from the previous year (percentage)
20141,708,022,701
20151,665,961,163- 2.5
20161,459,618,062- 12.4
20171,381,715,680- 5.3
20181,176,612,213- 14.8
20191,085,840,248- 7.7
2020853,469,367- 21.4
2021898,298,314+ 5.3
2022934,136,555+ 4
2023977,481,110+ 4.6

Market

Key Aspects of FBT's Market Presence

Global Reach

FBT serves over 40 countries, making it a notable player in the international sports market.

Regional Markets

The company has a strong presence in various regions, particularly in Asia and Oceania. Some of the specific countries served include

  • Bhutan
  • Myanmar
  • Laos
  • Sri Lanka
  • Cambodia
  • Tonga

These markets indicate FBT’s focus on emerging markets in the Asia-Pacific region.

Notable Partnerships

FBT has partnered with various local and regional sports teams, enhancing its visibility and reputation in the sports community. Specific details about partnerships can vary, so checking their official communications might provide more insights.

FBT's diverse market presence reflects its commitment to providing quality sports products to various demographics, aligning with the growing demand as a sports equipment in these regions

Market Position and Competitors

FBT operates mainly in the Southeast Asian sportswear market. It competes with other Thai brands, such as Grand Sport and Super Sports, as well as international sportswear companies like Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour [5] [6] . Grand Sport produces and markets similar sportswear and equipment in the region, while Super Sports is a retailer offering a broad selection of both domestic and global brands across Thailand.

FBT’s market presence is bolstered by its local manufacturing, which allows it to produce competitively priced products. Specific financial data for FBT is limited, but the company derives revenue largely from regional sales within Thailand and nearby countries

Sponsorships

Boxing

Cricket

Football

Official Bhutan home shirt worn during The Other Final against Montserrat in 2002. Bhutan Home shirt 2002.jpg
Official Bhutan home shirt worn during The Other Final against Montserrat in 2002.

Club Teams

Former club teams

Multi-sport Event

Track and field

National teams

Awards

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sports equipment</span> Object used for sport or exercise

Sports equipment, also called sporting goods, are the tools, materials, apparel, and gear, which varies in shapes, size, and usage in a particular sport. It includes balls, nets, rackets, protective gears like helmets, goggles, etc. Since the performer must use a sport equipment, it can also be serve for protection.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2005 SEA Games</span> Multi-sport event in Manila, Philippines

The 2005 Southeast Asian Games, officially known as the 23rd Southeast Asian Games, was a Southeast Asian multi-sport event held in Manila, Philippines.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Slazenger</span> British sports equipment brand

Slazenger is a British sports equipment brand owned by the Frasers Group. One of the world's oldest sport brands, the company was established as a sporting goods shop in 1881 by entrepreneurial brothers, Ralph and Albert Slazenger, on Cannon Street, London. Slazenger was acquired by Dunlop Rubber in 1959. Dunlop was acquired by BTR in 1985. Sports Direct acquired the business in 2004.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2003 SEA Games</span> Multi-sport event in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

The 2003 Southeast Asian Games, officially known as the 22nd Southeast Asian Games, SEA Games 22 and also known as Vietnam 2003, was a Southeast Asian multi-sport event held from 5 to 13 December 2003 in Hanoi, Vietnam. This was the first time that Vietnam had staged the SEA Games, and it saw East Timor, which had just gained independence in 2002; although not being an ASEAN member and despite its geographical location closer to the Pacific archipelago than the Asian continent, making its debut at the games.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1998 Asian Games</span> Multi-sport event in Bangkok, Thailand

The 1998 Asian Games, officially known as the 13th Asian Games and the XIII Asiad,, or simply Bangkok 1998, was an Asian multi-sport event celebrated in Bangkok, Thailand from December 6 to 20, 1998, with 377 events in 36 sports and disciplines participated by 6,554 athletes across the continent. The sporting events commenced on 30 November 1998, a week earlier than the opening ceremony. It is a last time that the multi-sport event would be held in Bangkok until the 2007 Summer Universiade.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rawlings (company)</span> American sports equipment company

Rawlings Sporting Goods is an American sports equipment manufacturing company based in Maryland Heights, Missouri. Founded in 1887, Rawlings currently specializes in baseball and softball clothing and equipment, producing gloves, bats, balls, protective gear, batting helmets, uniforms, bags. Footwear includes sneakers, and sandals. The company also sells other accessories such as belts, wallets, and sunglasses. Former products manufactured by Rawlings included American football, basketball, soccer, and volleyball balls.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Burley-Sekem</span>

Burley-Sekem Pty Ltd is an Australian sports equipment manufacturing company. It was formed in 1985 from the merger of "Burley Sports Pty Ltd", and "Sekem Pty Ltd.". The company has since merged with Kookaburra Sport.

Mitre Sports International Ltd., mostly known as Mitre, is an English sports equipment manufacturer based in Wakefield. Mitre is mainly focused on association football but also providing equipment for other sports. Having founded in 1817 in Huddersfield, the company is one of the oldest of its type in the world. Mitre is currently a subsidiary of the British family–owned Pentland Group.

Steeden Sports is an Australian sports equipment manufacturing company, mainly focused on rugby league. The company is mostly known for its rugby league footballs. Steeden was established in Queensland in 1958, when twins Eric and Raymond Steeden opened a factory in Brisbane, Australia, producing leather cricket balls, rugby league balls and boxing bags. The company moved to New South Wales in the 1960s, and was acquired by British sporting goods corporation Grays International in 1995.

O'Neills Irish International Sports Company Ltd. is an Irish sporting goods manufacturer established in 1918. It is the largest manufacturer of sportswear in Ireland, with production plants located in Dublin and Strabane.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anta Sports</span> Chinese sportswear company

Anta Sports Products Limited is a Chinese sports equipment multinational corporation headquartered in Jinjiang, China. It is the world's largest sports equipment company by revenue and third-largest manufacturer of sporting goods overall, behind Nike and Adidas ahead of Li Ning.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Peak Sport Products</span> Chinese sportswear/sports equipment company

Peak Sport Products Co., Limited is a Chinese manufacturing company of sportswear and footwear based in Quanzhou.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mikasa Sports</span> Japanese sports equipment and athletic goods company

Mikasa Corporation is a Japanese sports equipment and athletic goods company with its international corporate headquarters located in Nishi-ku, Hiroshima, Chūgoku. Specializing in equipment for ball games, the balls manufactured by Mikasa for sports football, Korfball, basketball, volleyball, waterpolo and handball are often used for official matches, games and competitions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Signia (sportswear)</span> Argentine sportswear brand

Signia is an Argentine sportswear brand which manufactures footwear and clothing. The brand has experienced some restructuring plans in the past due to financial problems, even disappearing from the market for some periods of time. Signia has also sponsored some Primera División football teams in Argentina, mostly at the beginning of the 2000s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nivia Sports</span> Indian sports equipment manufacturing company

Nivia Sports is an Indian sports equipment manufacturing industry founded in 1934 at Sialkot. It was named Freewill Sports Pvt Ltd. Later the company shifted to Mumbai and finally headquartered in Jalandhar, Punjab, India which designs and manufactures sports equipment, accessories, and sportswear including athletic clothes, and footwear. It has been the official ball partner for many national and international leagues and tournaments including Indian Super League, The Basketball Federation of India, All India Football Federation, Volleyball Federation of India, Sri Lanka Super League, and Premier Handball League (PHL). Nivia's basketball has received certification from FIBA, the International Basketball Federation. Nivia Sports has established a strategic partnership with the Women's Handball League (WHL) to collaborate on initiatives that support the development of women's handball. Nivia has been named the official ball partner for the Hero Indian Super League (ISL). This partnership designates Nivia Sports's Football Shastra 2.0 as the official ball for the league over a three-year period, starting with the 2024 season. In June 2024, Nivia entered into a five-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Arunachal Pradesh Football Association (APFA), securing the role of exclusive provider for sportswear and footballs. Under the agreement, Nivia is tasked with supplying footballs and kits for national football championships and district-level events, totaling 1,030 footballs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boxeur Des Rues</span> Italian streetwear and sportswear brand

Boxeur Des Rues is an Italian streetwear and sportswear brand founded in 2003 owned by Boxeur Des Rues & Malloy S.r.l. a company based in Segrate, Italy. The company is active in design, manufacturing, licensing and marketing of fashion and sports clothing and goods, such as shoes and accessories.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Warrix Sports</span> Thai sport manufacturing company

Warrix Sport is a Thai sport manufacturing company established in 2013 which produces jerseys, sports outfits, training equipment, etc. The word "Warrix" is inspired by the word "warrior" and theme of the brand involves legendary Thai warriors. Starting from January 2017, WARRIX is the main sponsor for Thailand national Football Team. The brand made its first official appearance by sponsoring Thai League teams Chiangmai F.C. and Nakhon Ratchasima F.C. in 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sport-Saller</span> German sportswear company

Sport-Saller is a German sports equipment mail order company which focuses on association football products. The company was established in 1972 and is based in Weikersheim, Baden-Württemberg.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">4F (company)</span> Polish sportswear company

4F is a Polish clothing company established in 2003 and headquartered in Wieliczka, in southern Poland. The company is owned by OTCF S.A. whose other subsidiaries include brands like Outhorn and 4Faces. It offers sports, tourism and casual wear clothing as well as accessories. The brand currently operates 230 stores in East-Central Europe and its products are present in around 500 multi-brand stores in 40 countries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Twins Special</span> Thai sports equipment manufacturer

Twins Special Co., Ltd., also known as Twins Special is a Thai sports equipment manufacturing company, focused on Muay Thai, boxing, and physical fitness, which markets its products worldwide. The company based on Suan Luang, Krathum Baen, Samut Sakhon, outskirts Bangkok.

References

  1. "ประวัติเอฟบีที". FBT SPORTS (in Thai). Retrieved 2024-11-11.
  2. "FBT Online SHOP". FBT SPORTS ONLINE (in Thai). Retrieved 2024-11-11.
  3. "ตัวแทนเอฟบีทีในประเทศ". FBT SPORTS (in Thai). Retrieved 2024-11-11.
  4. 1 2 "บริษัท โรงงานฟุตบอลล์ไทย สปอร์ตติ้ง กู๊ดส์ จำกัด". data.creden.co. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
  5. Limited, Bangkok Post Public Company. "Ball maker achieves his goal". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 2024-11-11.{{cite news}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  6. Limited, Bangkok Post Public Company. "Eye on the ball". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 2024-11-11.{{cite news}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  7. ""FBT" บุกอังกฤษ! หนุนชุดแข่งทีม "ลูกเฟอร์กี"". ASTV Manager (in Thai). 5 February 2016. Archived from the original on 6 February 2016. Retrieved 6 February 2016.
  8. ""Official KL2017 apparel, merchandise on sale by mid-July"". 6 June 2017. Retrieved 17 September 2017.