Innovation is at the core of all that we do at True Colors
True Color Group is a dynamic enterprise with diverse verticals including Textile Printing, Textile Machineries, and GT Papers. Its journey began as one of the pioneers in introducing digital printing to the Indian textile industry, a move that set the company on path to becoming a market leader.
True Color Group’s machinery vertical deals with world-renowned brands, offering high-tech digital machines of premium quality that are tailored to meet the specific needs of the Indian textile industry. What sets True Color Group apart is its comprehensive one-window solution, allowing customers to access a wide range of top-tier brands and customised machinery, all under one roof. This approach, combined with its commitment to creativity, hard work, and innovation, has cemented True Color Group’s reputation as a forward-thinking entity that leverages sustainable technology to drive progress.
True Colors Print, a crucial arm of True Color Group, was born out of the vision of four determined individuals who, while still pursuing their graduation, saw the potential to bring a dramatic shift in the Indian textile landscape. From humble beginnings as a small firm, True Color Group has grown into a formidable force with over 200 members, including a sizeable number of women, all contributing to a daily production capacity of over 20,000 metres of fabric. Its founders’ grit and determination were instrumental in shifting the industry from traditional mills to advanced digital printing techniques, a transformation that not only improved efficiency but also significantly reduced environmental impact.
At the recently held Gartex (Delhi) fair, Fibre2Fashion recently spoke to Pratik Mehta, General Manager of True Colors Private Limited, to get a more nuanced understanding of True Color’s product offerings, market positioning and what strategies it employs to maintain the leadership position in the realm of digital printing.
Can you walk us through True Colors’s journey so far?
The story of True Colors Group begins in 2011 when we recognised a significant gap in the textile industry that needed to be addressed. Our journey started with a focus on digital printing, an area that was still in its nascent stages in India.
We launched our first digital printing machine that year, marking the beginning of our commitment to providing complete digital printing solutions. Our entry into the market coincided with the rise of sublimation printing in Surat, which was quickly gaining traction as the preferred method for textile printing.
As the demand for more advanced printing solutions grew, we expanded our offerings to include direct-to-fabric printers, heat transfer machines, and other innovative technologies.
Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction propelled our growth, and over the years, we have sold more than 1,800 machines across India. Our success is supported by a robust team of over 50 engineers, including field engineers who are strategically located in all major manufacturing hubs throughout the country. This widespread presence ensures that we can cater to the specific needs of our customers, regardless of their location.
Our headquarters is based in Surat, a city known as the textile hub of India, and we have established branches in New Delhi, Amritsar, and Mumbai. True Colors Group operates as a joint ownership company, with four partners leading various divisions.
What are your primary markets, and who are your key partners?
India is our primary market, and we have established a strong foothold in the country by collaborating with some of the most renowned names in the global textile machinery industry. We are proud to be the exclusive distributor in India for several world-class brands.
Our role as exclusive dealers for these brands in India ensures that we have a competitive edge in the market.
While our primary focus remains on the Indian market, we also have a growing presence in international markets. We export inks and other spare parts, expanding our reach beyond India’s borders. Domestically, we cater to all major textile hubs, including Surat, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Punjab, Delhi, and Tiruppur, ensuring that our products and services are accessible to customers across the country.
How has the market for digital printing evolved over the years?
The digital printing market has undergone significant changes over the past few years. While there was a period of stagnation due to various economic challenges, the market has begun to pick up momentum once again.
One of the most notable trends is the increasing shift from traditional analogue screen printing to digital printing. This transition has been particularly evident over the last year and a half, as more companies recognised the numerous advantages that digital printing offers.
Digital printing technology has advanced significantly, offering greater accuracy, reduced waste, and faster production times compared to traditional methods. As a result, we have seen a substantial increase in demand for digital printing machines. This trend is likely to continue, and we anticipate that in the next three to four years, majority of screen printing operations will have converted to digital printing. This shift is not only driving growth in the digital printing sector but also encouraging innovation as manufacturers strive to meet the evolving needs of the market.
Are there any specific products that you are displaying at the recent events?
We have been active participants in various exhibitions and trade shows, including Gartex, which is one of the premier events in the textile industry. However, rather than introducing entirely new products here at Gartex (Delhi), we have focused on demonstrating the capabilities and effects that can be achieved with our existing range of printers.
Our products are already well-established in the market, and our goal at some of these events has been to highlight their versatility and the unique results they can produce.
For example, at Gartex (Delhi), we are showcasing the effects that can be obtained using our digital printing machines, including intricate patterns, vibrant colours, and high precision in fabric printing.
Our presence at these events reinforces our brand’s reputation and allows us to connect with potential customers who may not yet be familiar with the full range of our offerings.
Are there any new projects or innovations in the pipeline that you would like to share?
Innovation has always been at the core of what we do at True Colors. We are constantly exploring innovative technologies and processes to enhance our product offerings and meet the evolving needs of the textile industry. One of our most recent innovations is the introduction of double-sided printing machines.
These machines, powered by Skyjet, a leading Chinese OEM, represent a significant advancement in textile printing technology.
What makes our approach unique is that we first test and use all the machines in-house before launching them in the market. This allows us to thoroughly understand the product’s capabilities, identify any potential issues, and ensure that we can provide our customers with the best possible solutions.
By using the machines ourselves, we gain firsthand experience that helps us offer more informed advice and support to our customers. The first double-sided printing machine has already been successfully installed and operated in our own printing house, and we are confident in its performance and reliability.
Looking ahead, we have ambitious plans for further expansion and innovation. While I cannot disclose all the details at this stage, I can share that we are currently in the development phase for two new products that we plan to launch in 2025. These products will be game changers for the digital printing industry, offering features and capabilities that are not currently available in the market. We are excited about these developments and believe they will further solidify our position as a leader in the industry.
What are your plans for the immediate future?
As we look to the future, our primary focus is on expanding our footprint both within India and in international markets. In India, we already have a formidable reputation and a solid customer base, but we see significant opportunities for growth in emerging markets and underserved regions. We plan to increase our presence in these areas by establishing more sales and service centres, as well as by enhancing our marketing efforts to reach new customers.
On the product front, we are continuously exploring modern technologies and innovations that can add value to our customers’ businesses.
The two new products we plan to introduce in 2025 are just the beginning. Our goal is to stay ahead of the curve by offering cutting-edge solutions that address the changing needs of the textile industry. Whether it is through new machinery, advanced printing techniques, or enhanced customer support services, we are committed to driving growth and delivering exceptional value to our customers.
True Colors Group has come a long way since our inception in 2011. From a small startup with a single digital printing machine, we have grown into a major player in the digital textile industry, with a wide range of products and a strong presence across India. Our journey has been marked by continuous innovation, a commitment to quality, and a focus on customer satisfaction and as we move forward, we will continue to build on this foundation, exploring new opportunities and striving to remain at the forefront of the digital printing revolution.
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