India has potential to surpass China in low-cost manufacturing
Shreeji-Tech Enterprise commenced business in 2008, provides technological/technical support to textile mill clients for their weaving, preparatory, machinery, servicing, spares and machine modernisation needs. In a chat with Fibre2Fashion, Shreeji-Tech Partners Sumit Gajjar and Mayur Shah talk about the textile machinery industry in India and the government support.
How would you describe the textile machinery market in India and globally?
A strong textile engineering industry can support the rising Indian economy, by adding vibrancy and competitiveness. Indian textile machinery manufacturers have become more innovative in the last few years. They have invested huge amount of money, time and energy to understand the demand.
Has the demand picked up and reached the pre-pandemic levels?
Yes, right from the beginning of this year, industry has almost moved out of the pandemic phase, and we can see the positive change in people’s mindset. The buying pattern and demand have increased like never before.
Trade has been a critical tool in combating the pandemic, and this strong growth underscores how important trade will be in underpinning the global economic recovery.
Which are your major markets in India and abroad?
In India, we have more than 70 to 80 per cent market share in high-tech weaving, preparatory and finish product machines.
Does India have the ‘China plus one’ advantage when it comes to textile machinery? Have you seen a spurt in demand?
India has the potential to surpass even China in low-cost manufacturing, if the government and the industry work together in a cohesive manner.
What new innovations and technologies do you plan to invest in?
We have plan to make our next investment in technical textiles, packing and finish folding machines with fully automatic devices.
What are the major challenges that textile machinery manufacturers face?
Unlike Europe and China, textile machinery manufacturers in India need to increase their R&D a bit faster and use the technology to its fullest. Few companies still make their products in a traditional and conventional way. The Indian government should intervene and provide strong support to the industry and educate them to create awareness about how to cope up with current and futuristic obstacles.
Many entrepreneurs lack awareness on rights and responsibilities, due to which they are on the back-foot for developing new products.
What kind of government support would help boost the textile machinery industry?
The Indian government can increase its focus on projects like Make in India, Start-up India, Vocal for local, etc. Such ideas should reach the industry people, who need to take advantage of the same.
To boost the economy, the government can be clearer on providing subsidy, project loans, etc. This can help build a competitive textile sector that is modern and sustainable. We also wish that there should be a new policy with a special focus on the manufacturing of apparel and garment, technical textiles, man-made fibre products and exports.
What is next in the pipeline for Shreeji-Tech? Any plans to expand or introduce new products?
With state-of-the-art technology, we are growing by leaps and bounds. We have expanded our presence pan-India in some overseas regions. We are striving hard to create most ultra-modern machinery using the latest technology in our existing machinery range such as sample cutting machine, loom batching machine, cloth inspection machine, stretch wrapping machine, mending machine, conveyer, handling equipment, handling trolleys, and warping creels.
Published on: 28/10/2022
DISCLAIMER: All views and opinions expressed in this column are solely of the interviewee, and they do not reflect in any way the opinion of Fibre2Fashion.com.
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