The 4th edition of 4-day-long GMMSA Expo 2019 once again proved that apparel manufactures of Ludhiana are geared up for growth. The reason is not only a good winter season or their tilt towards producing garments for the semi-winter season, it is now loud and clear to the city’s manufacturers that for survival, advanced infrastructure, more focus on product development and changed mindset is a must.
Team Apparel Online observed these factors following discussion with many visitors which included big as well as emerging garment firms of Ludhiana. GMMSA, the show dedicated to knitting and sewing technology, had good number of players displaying value addition machinery be it embroidery, printing, laser cutting etc. Apart from many Chinese companies’ circular and flat knitting machines, well known global brands of sewing technology also marked the show. There were some players offering chemicals, inks, and trims, in the show .
The show was inaugurated by Pradeep Kumar Agrawal, Deputy Commissioner, Ludhiana. Even the first day saw a good visitation. Ajit Lakra, MD, Superfine Knitters, and President, Ludhiana Knitters’ Association; Ashok Makkar, President, Dyeing Association; Vinod Thapar, President, Knitwear and Textile Club and Narinder K. Miglani of Selection Knitter, among others, were present at the show.
Many small and medium level garment manufacturers of Ludhiana also visited the show. There were senior and middle-level management teams from companies like Kudu Industries Ltd., Amit Enterprises, Shakti Knitwear, ML Aggarwal Hosiery (Hills & Dales). In discussion with Apparel Online, some exhibitors and visitors shared that currently overall business is doing good and they were hopeful about coming months too.
Many medium level manufacturers of the city are now growing and adding capacities. Sambhav Jain, Director, Oswal Nit Fab. was focusing much on circular knitting machines. “We will expand in knitting as well as stitching as we see enough scope in both segments,” shared Sambhav. The company is into knitted fabrics, garments and digital, sublimation printing. Currently producing 4 tons of knitted fabric per day Bahvik Jain of Tuli Fabrics is also planning to start garment manufacturing in near future.
Some of the players of the Ludhiana are continuously focusing on new offerings and product developments. Techno Knit Craft dyeing house with the capacity of 8 tons per day is in the process of replacing old infrastructure and investing around Rs. 12 crore. Namit Jain, Partner of the company told, “As survival is all about by offering newness in products, we are going for advanced infrastructure by having machines of Nuvas.” The organization is also into garmenting.
Ankit Dhingra, Director, Woolgrace Knitfab producing pieces of various knitted garments is now starting delicate fabric-based garments, women tops and for that, he liked the fabric displayed by Arihant Impex, the only company in fabric segment presented at GMMSA. Sonu Ahuja of S C Ahuja Emporium having 100 stitching and 18 knitting machines, also is keen on product development.
Visitors from other states especially which is not associated much with Ludhiana-based technology suppliers, added value to the show. Apparel Online also met visitors from Delhi-NCR, Ahmedabad, Nepal, Patna, Saharanpur etc. and most of them were happy with the current market conditions.
NIFT, Delhi alumni Nagmani Kumar and owner of Khushi Garments, Patna is currently manufacturing school dresses (woven garments) and plans to start knitted items soon. “Some of the flat knitting machines I liked here, soon we will install few machines as it is beginning for us,” he shared. Madhav Singhal of Suraj School Dress, Saharanpur was exploring washing technologies at the event as he is in the process to bring washing in-house and improve quality with different types of washes. The show also saw quality visitors like Big Crazy Apparels, Pune that visited GMMSA first time. This new company is currently outsourcing its products (majorly Tees) and planning to start own manufacturing.
Aniket, Partner of the company informed, “We have explored knitting machines and stitching technology especially. As our business is growing, we will invest in these machines.” The company will also start its fabric sourcing from Ludhiana. Across India, few new players are entering into knitting industry as they see it is a growing segment with a lot of opportunities. Saumil Pandya, Director, JRP Knitfab came from Ahmedabad to GMMSA as he is investing Rs. 1 crore to start a plant of knitted fabric. Currently, the company has its fibre recovery plant.
Many garment manufacturers of Ludhiana are facing the issue of long credit period as in the domestic market they have payment cycle of almost six months. To manage this payment cycle they need to have enough resources. As this factor also increases cost, they are now seriously working to reduce credit period.
As per the organisers, approximately 60,000 people visited the exhibition. Narinder Kumar, President, GMMSA Expo India 2019 informed, “This year the exhibition has been an even bigger success setting another milestone and benchmark for the industry and for ourselves. The objective of this Expo is to provide latest technology and know-how at the doorsteps of the industry in Ludhiana.”
Ram Krishan – Chairman, GMMSA Expo India 2019 thanked all the exhibitors and participants for showing confidence and reposing their faith in GMMSA and for the marvellous display of most modern machines & technology at the doorsteps of garment manufacturers in Ludhiana.
