Client-centricity, technical prowess drive LMW's market lead: M Sankar

Established in 1962 by Dr. G.K. Devarajulu, LMW aimed to furnish Indian textile mills with cutting-edge spinning technology and since its inception, LMW has expanded its footprint beyond the domestic market, catering to clients across the Asian and Oceanic regions.

In addition to its core textile machinery segment, LMW has diversified its operations into CNC Machine Tools, emerging as a frontrunner in crafting customised solutions. Moreover, LMW Foundry plays a pivotal role in crafting Precision Castings for industries worldwide.

Furthermore, recognising the burgeoning demand for advanced technology, LMW inaugurated the Advanced Technology Centre, dedicated to manufacturing components for the aerospace industry as well.

Fibre2Fashion recently caught up with M Sankar, Director-Operations at LMW, during the Bharat Tex 2024 event, for an exclusive interaction.

M Sankar, a graduate of Textile Technology from Madras University, Chennai, brings over four decades of expertise across various domains in the textile Industry, including strategic management, sales, marketing, manufacturing, R&D, and supply chain.

Appointed as the Wholetime Director (Designated as Director Operations) for a term of three years effective from October 25, 2023, Sankar embodies a wealth of experience and knowledge within the textile sector.

Here are the insights gleaned from the interaction.

Q: Your views on Bharat Text 2024?

M Sankar: The scale of Bharat Text 2024 exceeded my expectations. As we enter the event’s second day, I am delighted by the turnout of visitors. Overall, the response has been exceptional, reflecting the industry’s enthusiasm and engagement.

Q: Can you highlight any particular products showcased at Bharat Tex 2024?

M Sankar: Certainly. Among our standout offerings is the twin delivery auto-leveller draw frame, featuring cutting-edge technology and unparalleled accuracy in auto-levelling.

Additionally, our extensive range of spinning machines, spanning from blow room to wind spinning, including winder and automatic winder variants, positions us as a comprehensive solution provider.

These days, the focus being on sustainability, I would also like to talk about our programme called LMW RESPIN, where the recycled fibre can be processed through our machines. This is an initiative which embodies a commitment to circularity and sustainability, advocating the core principles of recycling the fabric, reusing the fibre, and re-spinning the yarn.

The LMW RESPIN is the perfect solution for sustainability.

With over 60 years in the industry, we have garnered a reputation for excellence and innovation.

Q: India boasts the entire supply chain, second only to China. What should be India’s focus moving forward?

M Sankar: India’s primary differentiator from China lies in scale. To capitalise on this advantage, the focus must be on catering to the entire market. While the home textile sector performs admirably and is well-equipped to meet the global demand, there is a notable shift towards diversifying materials, especially in garments lately.

Despite China’s formidable capacity, India possesses the capability to compete, but it requires a concerted effort from policymakers and entrepreneurs. Talks for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) present promising opportunities for India’s growth.

Q: As a market leader, how does LMW plan to position itself to seize the available opportunities?

M Sankar: At LMW, our strategy revolves around creating value for our customers. We prioritise innovation and ensure that our offerings reflect the latest technology, all the while maintaining competitive pricing.

By consistently delivering value, we have cemented our position as a market leader and strive to further enhance our presence in this competitive landscape.

Q: Some suggest that Chinese brands offer more affordability. How does LMW plan to compete in this scenario?

M Sankar: While Chinese brands may be more affordable in terms of price points, LMW stands out for its commitment to technological excellence. Our production facilities in China gives us a unique perspective on the offerings in that market while also allowing for a competitive pricing. However, our focus remains on elevating our technology to meet or exceed the best of global standards.

Our track record of outperforming competitors underscores our dedication to maintaining our position as a market leader. Through continuous improvement and innovation, we remain poised to compete effectively in the global market.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DR)