Indore, a naturally developed garment manufacturing cluster has more than 2,200 small and medium sized garmenting units, manufacturing mostly kids and menswear for domestic market. Out of these, more than 50 companies are also into direct or indirect export, mainly to the Middle East countries as they have similar taste and size requirements as Indore, and also the compliance norms here are not so stringent like the case of the US or EU. Though most of the units are basically job workers, yet the awareness towards latest technology and willingness to constantly upgrade is high. Machine suppliers, working in Indore are very positive of the tremendous potential of this market and feel it has all the ingredients to be successful in the export arena. Team StitchWorld was recently in Indore talking to garment manufacturers and machine companies to figure out how this hub is upgrading itself…
Most of the firms are quite willing to control the manufacturing costs as comparatively low cost of production vis-à-vis other manufacturing clusters is an advantage for Indore. The increasing use of CAD is a perfect example of how companies are taking the technology leap. As of now 12 companies are using CAD in the region. Ajay Jain, Director, Vasu Clothing shares his experience, “When we started using CAD initially we faced service problems, but now with 6-7 other companies also using the technology it is comparatively easier to get prompt service.”
Technology providers have played their role in educating the industry. Vishal Sher, CEO, Studio Next Inc. who offers ‘Richpeace’, has done a lot to create awareness about the advantage of CAD system in this market and is now seeing satisfactory growth of his product. “In the last three years we have had 10 installations here for which we did a lot of ground work, now every year we are expecting at least 4 to 5 installations here, which is a good sign. Earlier we did many road shows and now manufacturers are calling us to get better understanding of the product,” informs Vishal.
Not only CAD, but increasing awareness towards advance machineries and automated parts is noticeable even among job workers. Jakesh Kothari of Shanta Marketing, Indore says, “A lot of job workers have upgraded themselves by converting to direct drive with UBT as now they are more keen to save energy and control cost by using advance or new technology.” Shanta Marketing provides Juki, Jack, Seiko, Kansai and Pegasus machines to the industry and very soon it is going to open showroom in the city for better accessibility. RK Sewing Machines, Mumbai offering sewing machines of SERA, also has plans to open a showroom in Indore. “Now the Indore based manufacturers are asking for advance models and specialized machines, we are enthusiastic about the market and have recently appointed an agent in the city,” says Umesh Gupta of RK Sewing Machines.
Another positive sign is that the growing awareness for energy saving technology and cost cutting is complemented by the need to improve quality. Closely associated with Rajasthan International, Krishna Sales, Indore provides a complete solution in terms of needles, finishing equipment, spray, etc. Mayank Maheswari of the company says, “We have noticed very good demand of Groz-Beckert needles which is best in quality, and local manufacturers are paying happily for this. Even finishing equipment, which are a little costlier than others, are being used just because of their quality output.”
One more reason for the increasing use of new machines and technology is the increasing trend of in-house manufacturing as outsourcing from job workers has its own issues. Starting with undergarment exports three years ago and having achieved 10 time’s growth, Palash Overseas is totally dependent on job work and is today facing difficulties, Shankar Budhrani, Director of the company shares, “Despite Indore having an identity for job working, many top brands are being manufactured here through job workers, which is a big headache.” It is worth mentioning that initially Vasu Clothing was also dependent completely on job work but now it has its own garment factory. Likewise some other firms are also moving towards in-house production.
Diversification in new product categories in Indore is growing, as now the city is also looking towards flat knit installations and reducing dependency on Ludhiana, Kolkata for collar, rib, and cuff manufacturing. Peayush Machineries, Delhi which is a known name for embroidery machines of Dayu, is now expecting good sales of flat knitting machines. “No doubt sale of flat knitting machines in the region is still in the nascent stage, but as manufacturers are showing interest and we have the enquiries, I feel it has a bright future. Most of the users are asking for 14 gauge machines as it can make various products,” informs Swapnil Juneja of Peayush Machineries.
As Indore is more into domestic market, it is slowly moving not only towards export to Middle East countries, but also some exporters are now exploring US and EU markets also which is an added advantage to technology suppliers. A respected name in testing equipment, Ramp Impex who has supplied his equipment to ATDC, Indore is of the opinion, “It is always a challenge in domestic sector to motivate them for high quality so we are trying to educate them on how they can get benefited and grow in business by our products. We are investing our time and money in this market. Intent of people is positive and they are ready to take the challenges but still they are unaware of benefits from testing equipment. With time they will definitely go for such products,” says Puneet Rawal, CEO of the company.
