Cotton World, a well-established exporter in India and doing business of more than Rs. 100 crore per year, has recently expanded with 750 machines in Anantpur district of Andhra Pradesh. The company is now targeting Bangladesh for next phase of expansion. Having 2,200 machines in 6 factories, the company is planning to invest US $ 1 million initially to start a factory of 1,000 machines; the management is willing to enhance the investment if the response to its initiative is good. The company is into kidswear and its main markets are in Europe.
A question many industry watchers are asking is ‘Why Bangladesh’ considering that the last year has been a watershed year with increased wages, political unrest and issues raised on compliance to safety norms. B N Monappa, CMD of the almost two-decade old company is very sure that Bangladesh is the next growth destination. “We know it is not easy and I went to Bangladesh twice in last one year but things are still not finalized. We are looking to start a factory in Chittagong EPZ for labour and cost control advantage. In India, arranging manpower is a herculean task and minimum wage is already too high even in B or C grade cities, but in Bangladesh labour is easily available and wage is still reasonable compared to India. As far as the unrest is concerned, things are bound to get back on track with time. Having a huge factory under one roof will help us to control the administrative and other overhead costs,” argues Monappa.
Bharat Tex Special Report 2026 
