It is perhaps for the first time in the history of Indian home furnishing industry when top machinery suppliers and exporters came together to meet and discuss on issues that the industry is facing. Organized by MSBC (MSB Consulting), the 2016 edition of Home Fashion Technology Week (HFTW) organized in Delhi, Mumbai and Karur, offered this unique opportunity to the exporters and machinery suppliers, who in particular, notwithstanding the obstacles and challenges faced, seemed happy on getting orders, mainly from the ‘giants’. Apparel Online talked to all the stakeholders to know about the various aspects of the industry and the global scenario.
Technology suppliers like Smart Mart, Ferretto Group, Magetron and many more gave their detailed presentation, thoroughly enjoyed by not only the owners, but professionals like production managers, industrial engineers, etc. who updated themselves on the technological developments that are on offer. These suppliers were of the opinion that even medium level companies can invest in advanced technology but for this, they would have to think about technology in a flexible and versatile way. Technology having flexibility and versatility can be solution to all problems, be it with small orders or changeovers. Such technologies/machines besides saving time will give more solutions, the suppliers underlined. Even the exporters were of the opinion that they need more and more understanding of the markets in terms of buyers’ requirement rather than undercutting one another, to do better.
SP Setia , who heads SP Setia & Associates (Delhi) and is a veteran consultant, insisted on ‘zero defect’, and said, “Most Indian manufacturing units perceive that they have modern technology but probably none of us have a world-class plant. Where there are energy, productivity and quality benefits, one should still adopt the technology even if it offers ‘no returns’, as every time one cannot expect returns… Technology does help to differentiate in products.” In his presentation, Setia insisted that ‘zero defect’ is not about being perfect, it is about changing our mindset from ‘acceptable defect’ to being defect-free. “One must upgrade standards regularly,” he underlined.
Deepak Nath, MD of Raj Overseas (Panipat) , an industry veteran who was the chief guest in Delhi, told AO, “When orders will improve, more companies will surely invest in technology as there is no other alternative to it. Few companies are currently doing it, though in a small way. Such events should reach broader spectrum of people so that more people can reap the benefits.” Nath added that despite Panipat industry not performing up to the mark, Raj Overseas has been able to sell well, thanks to its good R&D and advanced infrastructure.
The event was a good platform, especially for those who are in the process of either investing or going for expansions, like Mathew Mathai Joseph, Sr. Vice President, Faze Three Limited, Dadara & Nagar Haveli . “In next one year, we are planning to expand 25 to 30 per cent capacity in rugs and blanket units so we are exploring the latest technology as per our requirement,” Joseph informed AO. Exporting mainly to USA, and also some quantities to Europe, the company has its operations in Panipat and Western India, and is continuously growing at a rate of 10-15 per cent for the last few years.
Pranab Mahajan, Director, Mahajan Overseas, Panipat who was present at the event with his Production Manager Anand Choudhary maintained, “The hanger system of logistic system which we explored here is good and we are already looking for it but before procuring we need to figure out its economic viability, investment required and the sustainable aspect. Looking at the level of skills that our industry has, automation is very much required.”
On the issue of small and medium companies and their technology concerns, experts tried to give solutions as Neeraj Verma, President – Woven Division, Orient Craft, Gurgaon said, “As a whole our industry is still quite backward in technology infusion and zero defect, one has to look at it from a broader perspective and we have to be on the forefront of the trade. Medium level companies have to work in such a way that they can continuously grow so that they can adopt such technologies. Without technology, survival is not possible.”
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Echoing similar views, SA Mohan, Director, Armes Maini , Bangalore observed: “SMEs have to come at a scale as scalability is directly dependent on respective customer and market… I have seen many companies growing and then investing in technology. As our SME sector is very large, it is a must for us, and it is happening regularly.” Mani, who is associated with the Ferretto Group of Italy which mainly offers logistic solutions, further added that Western India was doing well in the country, in home furnishing industry.
Similarly, Deep Saxena (GM– Operations) and Jai Prakash (IE) of Sarita Handa Exports, Gurgaon also underlined, “Most of the advanced technologies are for products requiring multi operations, but most companies in India are medium level companies and are offering products which have limited operations, so their quantum of work does not justify investment in advanced machines. But as our domestic market is booming, we can expect good investment, with increased awareness in manufacturers and customers on quality and design issues, which will support automation, efficiency and newer products. Technology suppliers should also come forward to create more awareness. We are trying to fuse the technology with manual labour, so discussions with experts help.” Sarita Handa uses 3 metres wide cutter from Studio Next and the same brand’s spreader for its cutting department.
Representatives from buyer’s side were also witnessed at the event as Delhi teams of Li & Fung and Target were present. Sahil Ratanpal, Market Representative, Sourcing – Hardlines, Target Sourcing Services said, “Nobody can doubt India’s great potentials. Existing vendors are investing too in technology and slowly but steadily they have to move ahead in this direction as still there is large scope of investment in technology improvements.” Ratanpal also added that automation is happening even in design and value addition segment. He cited crewel embroidery, which was not possible on machines earlier, is today happening in a big way, he felt.
MSBC CEO Manjeet Singh Bakshi discussed about automation in home textiles overviews and thanked the industry for coming forward and supporting this initiative.
Global perspective from technology suppliers
Pleased with the Indian market, Nicola Barioni, Sales & Marketing Manager, Magetron, Italy said, “Indian companies are doing well and investing in new technology as last year we got good orders from India, especially for the products like terry towel, kitchen linen, sheets, etc. People here are exploring automation as there are huge opportunities in front of them. Turkey and Pakistan too are doing well, but I see more potential in India.” The company, which is offering cut-and-sew automation solutions, is providing machines since 1975.
On the other hand, Roberto Fracassetti, Textile Business Development, Ferretto Group feels that Turkey is the country noticing change going forward to the development, investment in technology, investing in people. They may not be giants, but they are doing well, especially as they started and are growing today.
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