business news - Time International

The Apparel Times
Editorial 18
SRTEPC Sets Challenging Target Of US$ 7 Billion For The Year 2012-13 19
Textiles Committee : A Facilitator For Quality Improvement in Indian Textile And Clothing Industry 20
Multi Brand Retailing to Create Opportunities for T&C sector 24
Arvind Acquires Debenhams, Nautica and Next Business in India 25
Siyaram Set To Transform TheIndian Male Fashion With Free Fall Fabric For “Trousering” 25
Trident conferred with “CITI Birla Award for Human Resource Management in Textile Mills” 26
DIESEL launches Italian street wear brand 55DSL in India 26
Dollar Industries Diversifies Into Lifestyle Apparels 27
Successful Production Of Levafix Blue Ca 27
Clariant Makes Sustainability Measurable For Textile Mills And Brands 28
Euratex Strongly Disappointed with Pakistan’s Waiver Approval 29
Cutting Through Eco-confusion 29
Raymond Targets European Markets 30
DYFI: Ready To Launch A Women's Denim Line 30
Bombay Dyeing Is Looking At Re-Launching Its Textile Brand 31
Dystar Colours Distribution Gmbh Opens New European Warehouse In Biebesheim 31
With Lectra Fashion Plm, Baroque Streamlines Development And Communication For Moussy 32
The Apparel Times
17

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E D I T O R I A L
Indian Apparel Industry Is Pinning Its
Hopes On The Upcoming Festive Season
Even as the economic slowdown in the West continues to
impact garment and textile exports from India, the domestic front
especially the retail segment continues hope for some positive
cheer during the festive season. This, despite the fact, that many of
them have been forced to put their expansion plans and
investments on hold.
While the period between May to September has seen poor
sales, industry is pinning its hopes on the upcoming festive season.
According to yarn, fabric and home textile players, the demand is
certainly picking up ensuring higher capacity utilisation in the last
one month. D K Nair, Secretary General of Confederation of
Indian Textile Industry (CITI) says, textile players have witnessed
an increase in orders which has led to higher capacity utilization.
Things are not back to the good old days, but the situation is better
now. But theirs is still a reason to worry, because demand is only
being seen in certain segments like denim and cotton. India's
garment exports fell by 10.5 per cent year-on-year to $1.1 billion
(Rs 5,979 crores) in June due to weak export demand. Apparel
Export Promotion Council (AEPC) figures reveal, exports stood at
$1.2 billion (Rs 6,520 crores) in the same period last financial
year.
Interestingly, while on one hand denim and cotton players
are expanding their capacities to cater to growing demand and on
the other hand slowdown in retail is impacting it negatively. So
though many players availed of the benefits of Technology
Upgradation Funds Scheme (TUFS) in the last few years to
expand capacities, it is currently not being utilised. However, to
improve the situation, TUFS is being made available for a longer
period of time. “We are supporting the industry in every way, we
are pushing for TUFS to be included in the 12th Five Year Plan,”
said Panabaka Lakshmi, Minister of State for Textiles.
For the current fiscal, export target is pegged at $40.5 billion
(Rs 2,20,158 crores), which seems unachievable given the current
economic situation in major export destinations like Europe and
the US.
Meanwhile, cotton textile segment too has been facing
tough times with first cotton prices going above Rs 50,000 per
candy (356 kg) a year and a half ago and later, cotton yarn spinning
mills going on strike. By the time cotton prices corrected, most
mills were in debt. As of now, around 300 textile companies have
applied for debt restructuring of Rs 35,000 crores.
Simultaneously, rising crude oil prices have made synthetic yarn
costlier.
Thus the bottom line is that the textile and apparel makers
are facing tough times with So Indian Industry Is Pinning Its
Hopes On The Upcoming Festive Season of Dasehra and Diwali
18
September-October 2012

SRTEPC NEWS - SYNTHETIC & RAYON TEXTILES EXPORT PROMOTION COUNCIL
SRTEPC Sets Challenging Target Of US$ 7 Billion For The Year 2012-13
Shri Vinod K. Ladia, Chairman, The Synthetic & Rayon
Textiles Export Promotion Council (SRTEPC) addressing
th
the 58 Annual General Meeting of the Council
th
in Mumbai on 10 September 2012.
Mohammed and Hon'ble Union Minister of State for
Textiles, Smt. Panaba ka Lakshmi. The Hon'ble Malaysian
Minister of International Trade & Industry appreciated the
initiative taken by the Council in organizing INTEXPO and
hoped that it would go a long way in establishing Malaysia
as a textile hub in the ASEAN region.
Speaking on the promotional programme during the
year 2012-13, the Chairman said that the landmark event of
the year would be the INTEXPO in Pakistan which is being
organized by the Council in Karachi and Lahore during
October 2012. He further stated that Pakistan has emerged
as the leading market for Indian man-made fibre textiles
and the Exhibition would provide an excellent opportunity
to further strengthen trade ties with our immediate
neighbour. He further averred that INTEXPO Pakistan is
The ambitious target of US $ 5.5 billion set by the being organized with the active support of the High
Council for the year 2011-12 was not only achieved but Commission of India in Pakistan and the Karachi and
surpassed informed Shri Vinod K. Ladia, Chairman, The Lahore Chambers of the Commerce & Industry and Trade
Synthetic & Rayon Textiles Export Promotion Council Development Authority of Pakistan.
while addressing the Annual General Meeting in Mumbai
on 10th September 2012. The Chairman said that despite Dwelling on the policy matters the Chairman said that
the difficulties faced by Indian exporters in the overseas there is need for urgent stimuli by way of Policy support
markets and unfavourable situation at home, exports of from the Government and the Council has suggested some
Indian man-made fibre textiles touched Rs.26974 crores of the urgent measures to be taken in this regard to the
(US$ 5699 million) during 2011-12 registering a growth Government including the Hon'ble Union Minister of
almost 19%. Encouraged by the performance the Council
has set a challenging target of US$ 7 billion for the year
Commerce and Textiles.
2012-13, said Shri Ladia. The Chairman elaborated that the Council has made a
proposal to introduce an Additional Scrip of 5% to those
The Chairman noted with satisfaction that exports of
man-made fibre textiles during 2011-12 were directed to
over 140 countries around the globe and Pakistan with
Rs.2341 crores had emerged as the leading market for
Indian man-made fibre textiles followed by United Arab
Emirates (Rs.2341 crores) and Brazil (Rs.1867 crores).
exporters who achieve incremental exports of a minimum
25% growth during the remaining part of the financial year.
Shri Ladia also pleaded for availability of funds at lower
rate for the industry to make it competitive and extension of
interest subvention to all sectors of the Indian textile
industry irrespective of their size and investment.
Talking about the promotional programmes the
Chairman said that there has been substantial increase in
exports of our items to those destinations where the Council
organised promotional programmes such as Saudi Arabia,
Kuwait, Colombia , Ecuador and Bangladesh.
Shri Ladia pointed out that as suggested by the
Council countries such as Algeria, Ukraine, Argentina,
Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile and Bolivia were included under
the Focus Market Scheme. He also urged the Government
to include countries like Pakistan and Saudi Arabia which
The Chairman informed that the highlight of the are the leading markets for Man made Fibre Textiles and
promotional programmes during the year 2011-12 was the Mercosur countries like Brazil under the Focus Market
INTEXPO Malaysia, the biggest ever Exposition of Indian
textile and clothing in the ASEAN region organized during
Scheme.
November 2011 in which nearly 100 companies He also stressed the need for inclusion of Man Made
participated. The event was organized in the wake of the fibre fabrics under the Focus Product Scheme. He opined
signing of India Malaysia Comprehensive Economic that the MMF fabrics industry is labour intensive and
Co-operation which opened up a myriad trade substantial manufacturing takes place in the un-organised
opportunities for both the countries. INTEXPO Malaysia sector and result in employment generation. And thus there
was jointly inaugurated by the Hon'ble Minister of is huge export potential for these fabrics and hence deserve
International Trade & Industry, Dato' Sri Mustapa Bin encouragement, he added.
The Apparel Times
19

BUSINESS NEWS
Textiles Committee : A Facilitator For Quality Improvement in
Indian Textile And Clothing Industry.
Dr P.Nayak ,Secretary, Textiles Committee,
Government of India,Ministry of Textiles
required; developing Test Methods, Providing guidance for
selection of technical personnel and purchase of
equipments etc.; Imparting training to the industry
personnel on testing for mechanical, Chemical, Eco and
Effluent parameters depending upon the requirement of the
organization. Besides, Textiles Committee undertakes
laboratory accreditation consultancy services also. The
activities under the laboratory accreditation consultancy
include guidance for the preparation of Quality Manual and
other documents complying with the requirements of
ISO/IEC-17025:2005 and their implementation; Imparting
training on calibration of equipments and for ensuring
traceability with standards of measurement; Guidance
provided for conducting internal audit and calculating
uncertainty measurement as required by NABL.
Committee also conducts Inter Laboratory Proficiency
Testing (ILPT) in which the textile testing laboratories not
only from India but also from South East Asia also
participate.
1. What is the Textiles Committee’s role in promoting
Indian Textile and Apparel industry’s interests?
Textiles Committee's main objective is to ensure the
quality of textiles and textile machinery both for internal
consumption and export purposes. The Textiles
Committee, as corollary to its main objective of ensuring
the quality of textiles and textiles machinery has been
entrusted with functions such as (I) undertaking, assisting
and encouraging scientific, technological and economic
research; (ii) establishing standard specifications for
textiles and packing materials; (iii) establishing
Cluster Development initiatives are taken up in three
handloom clusters namely; Bijnore (U.P.), Shantipur
(W.B.) and Trichy (T.N.) for capacity building of the
stakeholders of the industry as part of the Government of
India programme. This initiative helped to increase
awareness amongst the handloom weavers and other
stakeholders of the need for networking of services for the
development of handlooms including development of
marketing infrastructure for better quality of production for
domestic and overseas markets.
laboratories for the testing of textiles (iv) providing training
in the techniques of quality control; (v) providing for the
inspection and examination of textiles (vi) promoting
export of textiles; (vii) collecting statistics; and (vii)
advising the Central Government on all matters relating to
textiles and textile machinery, etc.
As part of fulfilling the mandate of collection and
dissemination of statistics and other marker research
information relating to the textile industry, the Market
Research Wing is carrying out several studies and surveys
in the field of textiles in the country. These reports are used
as the base for policy prescriptions by the policy makers of
As part of the export facilitation activities, Textiles the country. In order to capture the preferences of the
Committee are presently issuing various certificates consumers and the market size of the domestic textile
namely, Generalised System of Preferences (GSP); industry and other parameters, Committee is regularly
Certificate of Origin, Handloom Origin Certificate; and organising a national survey titled, National Household
Non-Preferential Certificate. The other areas of export Survey: Market for Textiles and Clothing in the country. In
promotion include the Quality Inspection of Fabrics and addition to this, it has also undertaking analysis on Export
Garments for exports, Classification of Garments; and
imparting ‘Quality Checkers' Training’ to improve the
quality of textile products.
Competitiveness of India besides providing information to
the industry on Non- Tariff Barriers (NTBs) imposed by
other countries and importers, which very few
organizations are providing now.
The Laboratories Wing of Textiles Committee
provides consultancy to setup Textile Testing Laboratories 2. Please explain about successful projects taken by
in the country with the objective of improving quality of
textiles. This includes planning the lay out, identification of
equipments, Accessories, Chemicals and other items
Textiles Committee?
Assessment and Rating of Cotton Ginning and
Pressing Factories in India - to cultivate quality culture and
20
September-October 2012

BUSINESS NEWS
improve the technology and thus improving the value of (OHSAS 18001) and Other Management Systems consists
products in domestic as well as international markets. This of Awareness Programmes, In-house training Programme
scheme specifies the requirements for assessment & rating on Statistical Process Control, Internal Quality Audit and
of modernized ginning & pressing factories in the country Third party Audit besides extending assistance at the time
by Textiles Committee to facilitate (a) Ginning & pressing of Surveillance Audit.
factories to know their present status and identify the scope
for improvement; (b) Ginning & pressing factories to boost The Export Promotion and Quality Assurance
the credibility of their factory and use the rating as an
effective marketing tool; © Cotton traders to select ginning
& pressing factories for processing their cotton to their
quality requirements; (d) Spinning mills to select
appropriate ginning & pressing factories for sourcing
cotton to their requirements; and (e) Creation of a brand for
clean cotton. The assessment has instrumental in informing
the deficiencies and to make them quality conscious. Some
of the spill over effects of the scheme has been the
development of infrastructure by the G&P units and also
the development of best management practices. The units
are graded with different ratings starting from ‘one star’ to
‘five star’. Now efforts are on to accept this rating
certificate for availing various schemes of state and central
government as well as bank loans etc. for the development
of the units.
Division (EPQA) of the Textiles Committee is the First
Accredited Inspection Body in Asia under ISO 17020 (Type
"A" Inspection Body). ISO 17020 standard specifies
general criterion for the competence of impartial bodies
performing inspection. It also specifies independence
criteria of inspection bodies. Implementation of this
standard gives international recognition to the organization
in relation to the inspection activity. Textiles Committee has
more than four decades of experience in carrying out
inspections of textiles and clothing. The quality inspection
schemes for yarn, woven textile fabrics, Made-up articles
and Readymade Garments have been developed on the
basis of requirements in national and international
standards by way of defining the flaws, sampling plan,
inspection methodology, acceptance criteria, sealing
stamping, etc. These schemes are aimed at providing the
textile trade and industry a customer friendly third party
Hon'ble Prime Minister of India has inaugurated the inspection of their products.
Handloom Mark Scheme for which Textiles Committee is
the implementing agency in the country. This scheme is not The globalisation has brought about enormous
only meant for the benefit of handloom weavers and challenges to the trade and industry; and the worst sufferers
exporters but also for the consumers of the handloom are the producers of unique textile products who loose their
products. The handloom mark is aimed at providing a
collective identity to the hand woven products made in
India. The products bearing handloom mark give assurance
to the buyer about the genuineness of the origin of
handloom product being purchased. The handloom mark is
supporting the well being of the weavers, who are from the
economically weaker sections of the society. By virtue of
the sale of the Handloom Mark products, the employment
of the weavers are expected to increase which in turn leads
to regular work to them. This will result better price
realisation to the handloom products and hence improve the
living standard of the weavers in the country. During 2011-
12, there were 1220 new registrations of manufacturers/
exporters for Handloom mark and 55,49,617 labels were
sold.
market due to large-scale infringement of the product. The
promulgation of Geographical Indication (GI) Act, 1999 by
Government of India has created an avenue for protection
of these unique products of the country. The GI Act
stipulates protection of the market of the producers and
safeguards the interests of the consumers of these unique
products through registration and taking infringement
action against the infringers. It is believed, that the IPR
Protection of unique textiles products of the country with a
predetermined market linkage strategy would help in brand
building of the product, providing market linkages,
generating more employment opportunities and enhanced
income to the stakeholders. With this objective, Textiles
Committee has been spearheading a nationwide campaign
in the country through facilitating GI registration of
potential products and technical knowledge transfers.
Textiles Committee is the single largest service Besides the Committee is disseminating the trade related
provider in the country for the quality improvement in the information for capacity building. As a part of this
textiles & clothing industry. So far, 628 textiles companies endeavour, the Committee has facilitated the GI registration
have availed of the services of Textiles Committee in of more than 20 products including Lucknow Chikan Craft,
implementation of ISO 9000, ISO 14000, SA 8000, and Banaras Saree & Brocades of Uttar Pradesh, Khandua Saree
OHSAS 18000 standards. The Consultancy in & Fabrics, Pipli Applique of Orissa, Surat Zari of Gujarat,
implementation of ISO 9000 Quality Management Systems Paithani Saree of Maharashtra, Bhagalpur Silk of Bihar,
(QMS) and ISO 14000 Environment Management Systems Guledgudda Fabrics of Karnataka etc.
(EMS); SA 8000 Social Accountability Standard;
Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series In addition to this, Textiles Committee has carried out
The Apparel Times
21

BUSINESS NEWS
several knowledge-based unique studies based on textile building; prepare the stakeholders to mitigate the adverse
industry such as - Market Basket Survey of Tirupur and effect of NTBs; to collect feedback from the stakeholders
Chennai; Assessment of Technical Manpower for the for better policy decisions; prepare a common code of
apparel industry; Census of Textile Engineering Industry in compliance acceptable to overseas buyers; and update the
India; Impact assessment of MGNREGA scheme on the compendium on NTBs using the feedback received in the
Textile Consumption in Rural India etc. workshop.
3. Explain about the new initiatives for 2012 & 2013? In addition to this, it also planned to organise cluster
With the aim to improving the protection of human level data collection of important textile clusters of the
health and the environment through the better and earlier country and a study to assess the principal implications of
identification of the intrinsic properties of chemical the Goods & Services Tax (GST) regime and to suggest the
substances and their safe use, the European Community best option among the various options based on some
enforced a law, called “Registration, Evaluation,
Authorisation and Restriction of Chemical substances
rationale.
(REACH)”. The benefits of the REACH system will come 4. How Textiles Committee plans to focus on Technical
gradually, as more and more substances are phased into Textiles?
REACH. The manufacturers and importers are required to The over all growth of technical textiles in India is
gather information on the properties of their chemical estimated at 14 percent per annum with appropriate policy
substances, which will allow their safe handling, and to regime and accordingly the market size for technical
register the information in a central database run by the textiles has increased from Rs. 37100 crores in 2007-08 to
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). The Laboratory
wing of the Committee has drawn up a programme to
develop testing facilities under REACH regulations and
Rs. 62420 crores in 2012-13 at a CAGR of 11 percent. One
of the constraints in the Indian scenario is considered as lack
of basic infrastructure, skilled manpower, testing facilities,
testing facilities for testing of Technical textiles also.
training & educational facilities. In order to meet the
The implementation of Laboratory Information
constraints in the field of testing, Committee has initiated a
programme to develop testing facilities to technical textiles
Management System (LIMS) in all the laboratories of the in the country and more focus will be on the North East
Committee is under process to serve the industry in a better Region.
and efficient way. Implementation of ISO Quality
Management Systems in Government Departments - 5. Explain in details of the Textiles Committee's
Office of the Textile Commissioner in Mumbai as well as in structure and branches all over India and their
its 9 Regional Offices and in the Ministry of Textiles and
other Central Government Offices will be taken up soon by
the Textiles Committee for implementation.
mandates.
Textiles Committee, in the post liberalisation era, has
reoriented its role from being a regulatory organisation to
become a facilitator for quality improvement in Indian
Another area where Committee starts focusing is the textile and clothing industry. The committee renders
Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) as most of the countries have valuable service to the industry through a net work of 29
been using NTBs as a major trade restrictive measure for regional offices situated in the major textile
denying market access to the export interest of other manufacturing/export centres in the country with its Head
countries. Non Tariff Barriers (NTBs) are trade barriers Office at Mumbai. Of the 29 regional offices, 17 offices are
other than tariff barriers and can take various forms. These equipped with testing facilities. All the offices are manned
measures are being imposed in the name of Quality, Social by textile technologists who are available for the industry
and Environment, Ethical Compliances Standards and for their day-to-day activities.
many more. Further, these country specific barriers are
complemented by the importers/buyers with private
standards, which, the importers project as business &
market promotion tools. Keeping the growing importance
of these barriers and its adverse effect on the export interest
6. What is the need of Indian Textile and Apparel
industry to fare better in the future on the domestic
front and also on export front?
The tax reforms, initiated in 1991, have sought to
of the sector, Textiles Committee in association with the rationalise the tax structure and increase compliance by
Ministry of Textiles and Export Promotion Councils taking steps in the directions (I) reducing the rates of
(EPCs) has initiated the capacity building programmes of
the stakeholders. As a part of this programme, a series of
NTBs Related Capacity Building Programme (CBP) will
individual and corporate income taxes, excises, customs
and making it more progressive; (ii) reducing exemptions
be organized in the major textile export centres of the and concessions; (iii) simplification of laws and
country. The objectives of these programme is capacity procedures; (iv) introduction of permanent account number
22
September-October 2012

BUSINESS NEWS
(PAN) to track monetary transactions; (v) value added tax decentralized sector is unaware of the national as well as the
(VAT) to replace the complex and multiple sales tax system. international standards. Therefore, to increase awareness
The need of the present time is to synergise the structure of among apparel manufacturers on the required national and
taxation systems and policy reforms. international compliance standards, and to assess, train and
In the export front also, the immediate focus should be
on trade facilitation activities, simplification of procedure
and development of infrastructure.
guide them to upgrade the workplace conditions and labour
standards in their facilities, the Ministry of Textiles has
implemented a pan- India initiative called DISHA- Driving
Industry towards Sustainable Human Capital Advancement
The core impediment in the development of the textile – through Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC). The
industry in the country is the lack of infrastructure. In order DISHA is a first-of-its-kind industry-owned and driven
to address this issue, the Ministry has launched a ‘Scheme initiative, aimed at equipping the Indian apparel industry,
for Integrated Textile Parks (SITP)’ which was launched by especially the small and medium enterprises, towards
merging two schemes, namely, Apparel Parks for Exports becoming more socially and environmentally responsible.
Scheme (APES) and the Textiles Centre Infrastructure Inspired by the philosophy of DISHA, the Indian apparel
Development Scheme (TCIDS). The primary objective of industry is determined to chart a course for itself to make
the SITP is to provide the industry with world-class India a preferred and chosen destination for the global
infrastructure facilities for setting up their textile units. The textile and apparel trade and sourcing.
scheme would facilitate textile units to meet international
Skill development is another area of focus of the
environmental and social standards. The scheme is planned
government. In line with the policy announcement of the
to create new textile parks of international standards at
government of India, the Union Textiles Minister launched
potential growth centres of the industry. The scheme targets
a new Integrated Skill Development Scheme for the
industrial clusters/locations with high growth potential,
Textiles & Apparel Sector, including Jute & Handicrafts
which require strategic interventions by way of providing
with the objective of capacity building of Institutions
world-class infrastructure support. The project cost cover
providing skill development & training in Textiles Sector.
common infrastructure and buildings for production/
The new scheme is expected to envisage skill development
support activities (including textiles engineering,
of 30 lakh persons in 5 years in the textile sector. In the
accessories, packaging), depending on the needs of the ITP.
National Skill Development Policy, a sectoral target of
There will be flexibility in setting up ITPs to suit the local
training 100 lakh persons by the year 2022 in the Textile
requirements.
Apparel industry is recognized as a major employer in
the textile industry value chain and also as the first point of
entry to industrial work for millions of low skilled and
unskilled workers. With its labour intensive nature and
considering the female employment intensity, the apparel
sector plays a crucial role in the development of nations,
especially in developing countries, by its contribution to
social and economic development and in elimination of
poverty. A distinctive feature of India’s textile industry is
the functions and processes throughout the value chain -
from cotton production to textiles to apparel making and
exports. A majority of the units which are operating in the
The Apparel Times
23
sector has been fixed. The Scheme also envisages
concurrent evaluation and the performance would be
adjudged in the next two years. Based upon the
performance and after making necessary modifications/
adjustments, the Scheme would be scaled up in the next
three years to meet the targets. The scheme is planned in
such a way that all facets of skill development are covered
right from Basic Training, Skill up-gradation, Advanced
Training in emerging technologies, Training of Trainers,
orientation towards modern technology, retraining, skill up
gradation, managerial skill, entrepreneurship development
etc.

BUSINESS NEWS
Multi Brand Retailing to Create Opportunities for T&C sector
Expansion of multi brand retailing expected in the medium term. Moreover, the slowdown of Chinese
wake of the recent decision of government to allow FDI in economy and Vietnam, one of the lead players in the textile
the sector will create unprecedented opportunities for the sector,would provide some competitive relief to India as the
textiles and clothing industry of India according to a paper global demand starts to grow along with recovery. The next
presented by Mr. Thomas Varghese of Aditya Birla Group phase would be really critical for the industry, he said. He
in the Indian Textile Summit organised by Confederation of also observed that among the textile and clothing products,
th
Indian Textile Industry (CITI) on 27 September 2012 in menswear continued to remain the biggest segment at
Mumbai. The well attended summit discussed some of the present, but the growth would be higher in kid's wear and
critical issues and opportunities emerging in the global as
well as Indian textile sector.
women's wear in future, leading to growth opportunities.He
said that among the neighbouring countries Bangladesh
would continue to compete with India on cost advantage;
Welcoming the speakers and participants to the Wal-Mart's apparel sourcing from Bangladesh increased by
Summit, Mr.Prem Malik, Deputy Chairman, CITI stressed 41% in the year 2011 over 2010, he observed.
the need for the clothing industry of the country to improve
production efficiency to meet competition from low cost
Asian competitors. He felt that the country had the potential
to raise its share in global apparel trade from the current 3.1
to 6-7%. He also felt that some of the measures announced
by government recently like liberalizing retail investment
would help the textiles sector to improve its performance.
Mr. Deep Mukherji from Fitch Ratings India Pvt Ltd.
observed that the softening cotton and cotton yarn prices in
first two quarters of the financial year 2011-12 led to a
partial margin revival in the sector but not a full-scale
demand recovery. Mr.Mukherji stressed upon the fact that
reduced substitution demand for synthetic textiles, higher
crude-oil based input costs and oversupply in partially-
Speaking at the summit, Mr. Thomas Varghese said oriented yarn segment were the sources of concern for the
thatT&C products would be the core component of most of industry.
the multi brand outlets because of its high margin and the
ability to create differentiation through private labels. He
felt that this sector would be one of the major beneficiaries
of the liberal retail trade scenario. FDI in Retail would
increase competition but it would also create opportunities
for T&C players to garner scale and become world class
players. Currently clothing occupies 36% of the overall
retail segment and this would increase substantially after
more organised retailers enter the market. He said that
thedemand for readymade and western outfit was growing
Leading textile manufacturers lauded the initiatives
of the states to increase the flow of investment in the sector
by appropriate policy schemes. Speaking at the summit,
Mr. B K Patodia, Chairman, GTN group said that the textile
policy of Maharashtra and Gujarat could drive greater
investments in these states. With the availability of cotton
and other infrastructural facilities like ports and power,
these states could generate immense investment interests
among the textile entrepreneurs. He observed that the rising
cost of production was taking away India's competitiveness
at 40-45% annually, but the key for success in the emerging in the textile sector. High interest rates and power costs
competitive environment would be to deliver affordable
and accessible fashion to the value conscious customers.
were the worrying factors for the textile industry, he said.
Presiding over the concluding session, Mr. S V
Mr.R. RaghuttamaRao, MD, ICRA Management and Arumugam, Chairman CITI said that the industry's
Consultancy Services (IMaCs), in his paper on global fragmented nature and structural weaknesses had been
economic situation observed that global recession had a preventing it from achieving its potential. Some sectors like
negative impact on Indian textile industry but this would be fabric manufacturing and processing still languish as weak
a short term problem. Though the EU members were still in links in the textile value chain. Though enormous
contraction mode and fighting the financial crisis, the opportunities exist in international trade for the clothing
recovery of consumption in US and the possibilities of the segment, here again structural problems were affecting the
market emerging out of slowdown are expected to provide competitiveness of Indian producers, in comparison to
the much needed relief to Indian textile exports in the other Asian industries.
24
September-October 2012

BUSINESS NEWS
ArvindAcquires Debenhams, Nautica and Next Business in India
Arvind Lifestyle Brands, subsidiary of Arvind Ltd, one stores in India from 2 to 8 in the next 3 years. Arvind will
of the largest players in the apparel brands and retail space, enter into the fast growing segment of apparel specialty
announced the acquisition of the business operations of retail through Next. Arvind plans to increase to increase
British fashion retailers Debenhams and Next and number of next stores from 3 to 12 in the next 3 years.
American Lifestyle Brand Nautica in India from Planet
Retail. The spokesperson from Debenhams said, “ I'm very
excited by the new chapter to be written together with
Announcing the acquisition, Mr. Sanjay Lalbhai, Arvind, who are a very solid and experienced retail group
Chairman & Managing Director of Arvind Limited, with a fantastic reputation. I'm confident that within the next
Speaking to The Apparel Times said “This acquisition is a 5 years, we'll have 8 fabulous Debenhams stores in 5 of
significant milestone as it signals our entry into the India's biggest cities'.
Department Store Segment and also the globally fast
growing apparel specialty retail segment. American Commenting on the acquisition, spokesperson from
Sportswear Lifestyle Brand Nautica makes us the dominant Next said, “We are very positive about the new franchise
player in the sportswear segment. With this move, we have partnership and are looking forward to Arvind Brands retaken
a big step towards strengthening our position in the launching the next brand in India."
Indian fashion industry. These acquisitions will accelerate
our growth and contribute to our vision of achieving sales The licensing arrangement with Nautica will strengthen
of Rs. 5000 crores over the next 5 years.” Arvind's already strong position in high potential
sportswear segment of the market. The company plans to set
“We have a strong menswear portfolio, which will get up additional 30 Nautica stores taking the tally to 41 free
further strengthened with Nautica. Debenhams & Next will standing Nautica stores and 71 shop in shops in the next 3
substantially strengthen our position in Womenswear & years.
Kidswear segment. We plan to achieve Rs. 500 cr revenue
over next 5 years from current Rs,70 crores by investing “We are excited to be working with Arvind Lifestyle
Rs.150 crores in to these three brands” said J. Suresh, Brands on the further development of this market.” said
Managing Director & CEO, Arvind Lifestyle Brands Maria Vicari, President of Global Licensing, Nautica
Ltd. Apparel Inc. “As we continue to grow our brand footprint
internationally with our licensed operators around the
Acquisition of Debenhams signals the entry of Arvind globe, we look to Arvind with their significant expertise in
into the Bridge to Luxury Department Store segment. brand building in India, to grow Nautica's presence in this
Arvind plans to increase the current number of Debenhams important emerging market.”
Siyaram Set To Transform TheIndian Male
Fashion With Free Fall Fabric For “Trousering”
Keeping its commitment by refurbishing the Indian's Free Fall as the name reveals, is a non-conventional P/V
male attire time and again, Siyaram Silk Mills Ltd has now fabric with an easy drape finish which enables it to curl,
introduced their latest collection “Free Fall” for bend, and fold with the leg movements and jump back easily
“Trousering”. along the trouser length due to an extra weight of its own.
Known as the most popular fashion brand for the finest The fabrics woven out of 2/40s, 2/50s and fancy yarns,
and most premium suiting & shirting fabrics – Siyaram -- are finished with the latest processing procedures for
has now forayed into the trouser segment with the launch of managing the extra weight and the complex blends to
FreeFall to create a niche in the “Trousering” segment. enhance the fine raw material properties and consequently
make them drape and fall effortlessly.
Speaking on the occasion Shri Ramesh Poddar,
Chairman & Managing Director of Siyaram Silk Mills Ltd., Spotted on the global fashion arena, this collection been
said, “The trouser fabrics comprise roughly around 90% of developed to give the wearer an exceptional & unparalleled
the entire fabric market in India. Yet, until now, there was no comfort and style. Free Fall fabrics are manufactured using
brand that specifically focused on this huge segment. The specialty yarns and fibers and are treated with a world class
FREE FALL trouser fabric from Siyaram's is going to finishing system. The eye pleasing designs and colours add
change that. It is designed keeping in mind the dynamic to the right amount of sophistication to the ensemble best
fashion sense and tastes of the new age Indian consumer.” suited for the masculine personality of a male.
The Apparel Times
25

BUSINESS NEWS
The unique properties of the Free Fall fabrics are: · Extremely comfortable
· Bouncing Effect · Lustrous
· Freedom of movement · Luxurious
· Smooth & Silky finish
· Highly refined in structure & finish Free Fall fabrics will impart the ultimate feeling of
· Wrinkle Free relaxation with a stylish look. Free Fall will surely reign
· Excellent fall men's fashion in the time to come.
Trident Conferred with “CITI Birla Award for Human
Resource Management in Textile Mills”
Trident Limited, one of country's leading textile innovative employee engagement initiatives have resulted
manufacturers, was conferred with the prestigious CITI's in winning this coveted award as our people have been
Birla Award for Human Resource Management in Textile continuously contributing to the values and ethics that our
Mills, The award aims at recognizing the path breaking company upholds. It is a combination of various HR
achievements undertaken by organizations to strive initiatives and our belief in fostering a culture that supports
towards formulating innovative HR policies. The award health and well being of every employee. I am obliged to the
was presented to Mr. DK Mittal, Location Head, Budni, confederation for appreciating our efforts and honoring us
Trident Limited, by Mr. SV Arumugam, Chairman, with this award.”
Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI).
This award adds another feather in the hat of Trident
Trident Limited has been privileged by the award for Limited, where Human Resource is considered one of the
adopting the best HR practices across all verticals of HR, most indispensable assets of the organization. Furthermore,
like Organization Development (OD), Recruitment and
Retention and PMS, Reward and Recognition and in
addition has introduced various incentive schemes for
applauding and encouraging the earnability of its high
performing members. This award encourages
entrepreneurship thus, empowering them to take decisions
and promotes ownership within the organization. The
initiatives aim at enhancing the managerial competencies
and to facilitate organizational growth and development.
Trident Limited continues to put a lot of emphasis in
providing an equal opportunity in supporting women
employees and encourage them to be leaders of tomorrow.
Considering the vast talent pool of women in this
organization and the need for mentoring and empowering
women in Trident and the society, Asmita- A women
empowerment forum was launched in 2008. The forum
aspires to focus on health, welfare, education and overall
development of women to make them self reliant. The
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. YPS Kanwar, HR company also keeps organizing various CSR initiatives that
Head, Trident Limited said “It is a moment of pride for us include continuous participation in development of Sacred
to be recognised for excellence in HR practices and Heart School at Barnala, conducting free medical checkup
Management at Trident. People are our biggest assets who camps to address health problems, provision of residential
contribute hugely to the success of our company. Our colonies for operatives at plant sites amongst many others.
DIESEL Launches Italian Street Wear Brand 55DSL In India
55DSL will be available through Diesel retail stores (reliance brands) in Mumbai, Pune,
Bangalore, Gurgaon and Ludhiana this Festive Season
Diesel's Italian street wear brand 55DSL was Commenting on 55DSL's India launch, Sumeet Yadav,
successfully launched in India through a mega event in the Business Head – Diesel India said, “Indian youth today is
beginning of the festive season in Mumbai on
both bold and experimental in their fashion choices. The
nd
22 September. The brand will now be available across
Diesel stores at Palladium, Lower Parel, Mumbai; UB City,
launch of 55DSL in India especially in this festive season
will help us offer these youngsters a fashion variant that is
practical and comfortable, while remaining aesthetically
Vittal Malaya Road, Bangalore; MDB Neopolis Mall, stunning and unique through the versatile use of inspired
Ludhiana; Ambience Mall, Gurgaon and Phoenix Market graphics. We expect 55DSL to become the new aspirational
city, Pune
brand among young Indians.”
26
September-October 2012

BUSINESS NEWS
The brand was launched in India through a mega event spin-off of the popular Diesel brand, 55DSL is now an
at Palladium, Mumbai. The event reflected 55DSL's young, independent apparel company belonging to Only the Brave
street DNA in mind and showcased the best of International group (Diesel) with a lively and provocative identity, and a
street culture including various art, dance and music forms. fresh young attitude.
Graffiti artists Jas, Minzo and Guru painted the
parking lot walls at Palladium and made artistic
Under the creative direction of Andrea Rosso, 55DSL
murals, ganpati of the boring white walls. The crowds creates male and female collections for those who feel
were also entertained by performances by B-Boying equally at home in an urban dwelling as a rural scenario.
crew Roc Fresh, Street Rappers Cash Kardz, Ace aka Andrea Rosso tirelessly seeks out new collaborations every
39, Kinga Rhymes and MC Shinobi and Beat boxers day with artists and companies of all genres all around the
Beatbench. world, thus making 55DSL as much about the mind as the
55DSL is the original Italian street wear brand uniting
subcultures around the world, through a shared passion for
creativity and fashion. Created in 1994 as an experimental
body. 55DSL is a solid company settled through 20 directly
owned stores around the world, and select worldwide
distribution from the USA to Europe and Japan.
Dollar Industries Diversifies Into Lifestyle Apparels
This festive season, Indian apparel market is set to The Denims range comprises of Regular fit, Straight
witness yet another fashion revolution as leading hosiery fit, Skinny fit, Absolute Skinny fit and Slim fit. While
brand Dollar Industries launched its men’s lifestyle apparel various styles of T-Shirts and Gym-Vests are also there. All
segment with its much awaited brand “FORCE”, which is of these products are not only stylish but pocket friendly
strategically called “Go Wear”. FORCE range consists of
fashionable Jeans, T-Shirts, Bermudas, Gym Vests, Boxer
Shorts and Track Pants.
too, as the price range starts from Rs 899/- to Rs 1499/- for
Denims and Rs 120/- onwards for other products. FORCE
initially witnessed a soft launch only in Eastern India but
“The company’s endeavour is to provide branded
apparels at reasonable cost to meet the needs of Indian
consumers. A complete range of lifestyle wear which
now the company will launch the entire range nationally.
The products will be available in general retail markets,
specially, MBOs(Multi Brand Outlet).
consists of Denims, Tees, Gym-Vest, Track Pants, Bermuda
and Boxer Shorts, FORCE will surely sway the latest
fashion industry. The whole range is designed keeping in
mind both the comfort level and style factor of today’s
youngsters. We have an aggressive marketing and
advertising strategy in place to promote the brand”, said
Mr. Vinod Kumar Gupta, Managing Director, Dollar
Industries Ltd.
“Casual wears has become second skin for today’s
generation. A sample research has shown that the target
consumers for FORCE mainly consist of young,
independent and ambitious men. Banking on the needs of
these aspiring consumers, we decided to venture into
lifestyle apparels. It has a vast scope and the market is
growing”, added Mr Gupta.
Successful Production Of Levafix Blue CA
Lonsen Kiri Chemical Industries Ltd. (Lonsen Kiri), conditions. The Levafix CA range is DyStar's high-end
a joint venture between LongSheng Group, China and Kiri reactive range for dyeing and printing of cotton and other
Industries, India, successfully produced the first bulk cellulosic textiles. The Levafix CA is designed to deliver
quantities of Levafix Blue CA, a fluoro-triazine (TFT) excellent fastness performance and optimal dyeing
based reactive dye, at their site in Gujarat, India. The behavior with high fixation levels. Levafix Blue CA is a key
production and quality control was carried out with
DyStar's supervision.
element in that range. Many Levafix CA products are used
to color garments of trendsetting Brands & Retailers.
The production of Levafix Blue CA is an important
"This achievement concludes a long process of plant
and product know-how transfer. Furthermore, I am proud of
milestone in establishing the manufacturing site of Levafix
the Shareholders’ and the DyStar team’s commitment to
CA dyes in India. The Levafix CA dyes require complex, excellence demonstrated by this project” states Harry
multi-step synthesis under high safety standards and Dobrowolski, CEO of the DyStar Group.
The Apparel Times
27

BUSINESS NEWS
Clariant Makes Sustainability Measurable For Textile Mills And Brands
• A systematic methodology based on sophisticated
tools
systematic methodology based on a three-step process.
• Products pre-tested against the industry's most Step 1: Product selection based on eco-standards
stringent standards and compiled in a unique database requirements
for instant information
• Sophisticated calculation tool for informed decision on Customers will benefit from a wide range of Clariant
products and processes, and their ecological impact ONE WAY products, developed and pre-tested by the
company against more than 15 of the industry’s most
stringent environmental and consumer safety standards
The Swiss specialty chemicals group Clariant including Blue Sign®1,OekoTex®2, GOTS3, the 11
announced the introduction of a new service called ONE substances of the Joint Roadmap towards Zero Discharge of
WAY that helps textile mills, brands and retailers measure
the impact of their textile solutions on the environment,
Hazardous Chemicals, bioelimination and 20 major
Restricted Substances List (RSLs).
resource and climate.
Today, the Clariant ONE WAY product database
Clariant believes that it can help its customers to
develop textile solutions that are both more ecologically
and economically sustainable by providing a fast,
measurable and reliable approach to the selection of
chemical products and process solutions.
already includes more than 200 products, covering most of
the needs of the industry across the value chain. This
database will be accessible anytime, anywhere, by the 20-
strong ONE WAY specialist team, who will be located
around the world and comprise of product stewardship
experts.
Taking on the textile industry’s toughest challenges
Step 2: Process short-listing based on
According to Textile Exchange*, an estimated six
environmental focus
million tons of textile chemicals is used each year, making
the environmental impact of textile processing a global
With Clariant’s ONE WAY, dyes and chemicals have
been screened and clustered into groups based on their
issue. Textile waste occupies nearly five per cent of all environmental focus. This will allow textile manufacturers
landfill space, with one million tons of textiles ending up in to narrow their selection of potential products to the process
landfills every year. group that best fits their environmental focus, whether this
is Co2 emissions, savings in water or energy or the amount
In addition, 20 percent of industrial fresh water pollution of waste water generated.
comes from textile treatment and dyeing; and one trillion
Step 3: Solution selection based on cost & eco-benefits
kilowatt hours are used every year by the global textile
calculations
industry, which equates to 10 percent of global carbon
impact.
A sophisticated calculation software tool, which will be
With increasing consumer awareness of these issues,
brands and retailers today are under growing pressure to set
the cornerstone of the ONE WAY toolbox, is currently in
final testing phase and will be available by January 2013.
and enforce sustainability policies, as well as monitor and This calculation tool will allow customers to make an
measure the environmental impact of their textile dyeing informed decision by delivering the overall cost and
and finishing processes,” said Emrah Esder, Head of performance profile – including dyes, chemicals, water,
Marketing, Textile Chemicals, Clariant.
energy and time – and the impact of each textile solution
against key ecological performance indicators, such as
“However, a long-time headache has been the chemical oxygen demand, biological oxygen demand, CO2
difficulty of measuring the overall ecological impact of any emissions, energy and water.
textile process. Clariant’s ONE WAY will address this gap
by providing fast and reliable information on the
economical and ecological impact of each textile solution.”
As a leading supplier of chemical solutions for the
textile industry, Clariant has a long-term commitment to
developing products and application processes that are safer
Systematic approach and stringent standards towards for the consumer, and have less impact on the environment.
industry leadership
Clariant’s ONE WAY will offer mills, brands and retailers a
28
In May 2012, it joined the Sustainable Apparel Coalition
(SAC). Clariant is also a member of the Textile Exchange
and is a System Partner of bluesign®.
September-October 2012

BUSINESS NEWS
Euratex Strongly Disappointed with Pakistan’s Waiver Approval
Regretably and in spite of all the economic and factual The Waiver to Pakistan will give an extra competitive bonus
arguments provided by the EU Textile and Clothing to one of our major competitors that is already benefiting
Industry against the Pakistan Waiver the European from strong financial support from its Government”.
Parliament has decided to approve the Waiver.
Commenting on the Waiver’s approval EURATEX Even if some measures were foreseen with the
President, Mr. Alberto Paccanelli, said “We are profoundly intention of limiting the negative impact on EU T&C
disappointed by the way EU policy makers have decided to Industry- e.g. safeguard clauses – in Euratex opinion these
use trade as a political instrument totally disregarding the will not be sufficient to counterbalance the negative impact
economic interests of EU Textile and Clothing Industry, its of this concession for EU companies. As Mr. Paccanelli
companies and workers”. stresses “Decision makers are sending a very negative
message to EU Textile and Clothing Industrialists- even
Even if evidence provided by Euratex clearly shows with a crisis situation in Europe we decide to assist your
that (a) the concessions will not benefit the populations competitors in Pakistan by giving them unilateral duty free
affected by the 2010 floods, (b) the measures will boost the access to the EU market. It is extremely difficult with such
already strong competitive and financial capacity of unexpected and drastic changes in the competitive
Pakistani Exporters, (c) the waiver will grant Pakistan an environment to continue to invest and create jobs in
extra leverage in the EU market in detriment of EU Industry Europe.”
but also of other third country competitors, the concessions
were nevertheless approved. In this context Mr. Paccanelli EURATEX hopes that this will be a one-time decision
recalls “Textile and Clothing companies are currently and that in future we will not have more examples of trade
facing a very challenging business environment with an being used to pursue political or other interests with the EU
economic crisis in the EU that has a very negative impact on Industry having to endure the heavy economic and social
consumption with a reduction in orders between 6%-7% impact of such measures.
compared to the same period of last year and a financial
crisis that has imposed strong constraints on companies to Euratex accounts for € 179 billion Turnover, 1,834
access credit particularly in Southern European countries. million workers and 146.000 companies
Cutting Through Eco-confusion:
World's First Global Organic Cotton Campaign Launches At
Hong Kong Textiles Conference
Major players in the international textiles industry are But some brands are failing to commit to organic
today challenged to sign up to organic – the most reliable standards, opting instead for easier, lower-level schemes or
and trustworthy standard of sustainable textiles production. worse – nothing at all. Without commitment from brands, it
is the farmers and the environment that bear the social,
Speaking at the Sustainable Textiles Conference in environmental and economic risks associated with cotton
Hong Kong, Lord Peter Melchett – Policy Director of the production:
UK's Soil Association – asked textile industry leaders:
“Have you cottoned on yet?” “Organic cotton is proven to deliver positive benefits
for people and the environment. When it comes to
Echoing the slogan of the campaign and website making sustainability claims you can trust, nothing
launched today (www.cottonedon.org), Lord Melchett beats it.” Lord Peter Melchett, Policy Director, Soil
called on the industry to put a halt to the global Association
environmental damage and threats to cotton farmers'
livelihoods caused by conventional cotton farming and The campaign is launched by the Soil Association and
processing. the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), the leading
standard for organic textile processing.
Up to 80% of world cotton production currently comes
from Genetically Modified (GM) crops (with 95% of the The campaign asks brands as well as consumers and
seed in India controlled by one company: Monsanto). In NGOs to “cotton on” to organic cotton production and
addition, more than U.S. $3 billion worth of pesticides that processing, by signing up on the new micro-site
can cause a variety of risks to humans and the environment www.cottonedon.org, uniting supporters of sustainable
were used on conventional cotton in 2010. cotton across the globe.
At the same time, worldwide demand for organic cotton The campaign is detailed in a briefing paper released
is set to grow by at least 10% in 2011-2012. “Have You Cottoned On Yet?”, which spells out the 5
unique benefits of organic production
The Apparel Times
29

BUSINESS NEWS
Raymond Targets European Markets
After achieving remarkable success in the domestic operates six textile plants and four garment factories across
market, Raymond is now focusing on the EU market. It India and Europe employing over 33,000 people. Raymond
wants to increase its presence in the Europe particularly
Germany over the next two seasons. Currently, Raymond
operates around 650 stores in more than 200 cities in India.
manufactures 800,000 tailored jackets and 2 million
trousers, as well as 3 million pairs of jeans per year.
Internationally, it has a presence with 39 stores across the
Middle East, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh,
spanning a retail area of over 1 million sq. ft.
Mishra feels, it is easy to get the customer when the
product is offered at just a little lesser cost than others.
However, he feels selling products to foreign clients is a
Raymond offers collections based on the 'whole life
concept' with each of its range relating to different age
groups and price brackets. With this, the brand has been
successful in retaining its customer base throughout the
lifetime. Mukesh Mishra, Business Head at Raymond
Europe says the growth that has happened in India over the
tough task as it takes time to educate them that just because a
product is Made in India does not mean quality is
compromised. However, Raymond's overall export sales
have grown by 18-20 per cent. Raymond believes that not
adding costs on top of costs has helped the brand in
achieving this success.
past 10 years is continuing at the same pace, particularly in
Tier II, III and IV cities.
Each season, Raymond brings out its products in
new fabric qualities showcasing brand's diverse
Being the world's largest worsted wool fabric capabilities. For spring/ summer 2013 the designers
manufacturer, Raymond produces 42 million metres of foregrounded wool/linen and wool/cotton, as well as
fabric annually. Also, it produces over 80 million metres of wool/mohair. For the classic collection the texture is soft,
denim and 10.5 million metres of shirtings. The brand with clear cut finishing showing off a little shine.
DYFI: Ready To Launch A Women's Denim Line
DYFI the jeans wear brand from ShriLaksmiCotsyn, a part DYFI's product portfolio for men include jeans,
of Shri Lakshmi Group that was introduced after a test casual shirts, tees, shorts, pants, cargos, pullovers, jackets
launch in Autumn/Winter 2010 is already giving stiff and accessories like belts, caps in the price range Rs 399 to
competition to leading denim brands. And now, after Rs 1,799. The brand is aimed at the youth aged 12- 40 years.
completing a successful year with its men's line DYFI is “We did not want to sell just garments; we wanted to sell
getting ready with it women's line to be launched in attitude along with the garment and hence wanted to
Spring/Summer 2013. Also on the agenda is a special line promote fitness lifestyle,” opines Gupta. “Our main focus is
for men. Sanjay Gupta, President, DYFI says the brand's on Tier II, III cities only through distributors and franchisee.
positioning is “Let fitness be your lifestyle, that is, one Initially, the focus is to consolidate networking in north
needs to be fit to wear our garments. Hence, the name: Do India.”
You Fit In,” E-retailing too would be pursued aggressively
and is expected to contribute 40 per cent to the total sales.
Shri Lakshmi Group started its journey with
manufacturing of shirting and suiting and gradually
The brand DYFI kicked off its retail journey with the broadened its product basket to include an entire gamut of
opening of its first exclusive store in Delhi. And within a textiles. The list comprises of denim fabric, home
short span it has launched six more stores in North India. furnishing (under domestic brand – Weaves), garments,
Commenting on the brand's retail drive, Gupta says, “In the quilted fabric, embroidery fabric, fusible interlining fabric
first year, we intend opening 12 EBOs and by the end of under the brand name Star Track, technical textile fabric,
fourth year, we would have 60 EBOs. We are also targeting bullet proof jackets, high altitude fabrics, zippers, ballistic
1,500 MBOs and four LFS by the end of second year.” The products and armoured vehicles. ShriLaksmiCotsyn that
EBOs are franchise owned and serviced through launched the DYFI brand has commissioned state-of-thedistributors.
“Every distributor has target to open and art garment factory at Roorkee with an installed capacity of
operate three EBOs to sustain their business since we plan 6.6 million pieces per annum. Gupta sums up by saying
to have 25 distributors, we expect 60 EBOs can be achieved “This is our first year in market we have targeted a turnover
much before the targeted time.” of Rs 20 crores and billing value and Rs 40 crores at MRP.”
30
September-October 2012

BUSINESS NEWS
Bombay Dyeing, best known for its bed and bath While textiles contribute 23 per cent to Bombay's
range is currently undergoing a restructuring process, Dyeing total revenues (Rs 2,234.49 crores), the current
which would not only give it a new identity but also expand economic slump in the textile industry may have driven the
its existing product portfolio. By early next year, the company to explore related avenues in its bed and bath
company is looking at re-launching its textile brand as a categories like furniture and home accessories, which could
home solutions provider by exploring segments beyond
bed and bath products.
also complement its profit making real estate business.
Apart from creating a different brand identity for its
After incurring losses worth Rs 3.66 crores last
quarter, the company is restructuring to convert the textile
assets into retail ones, ultimately to cater to the different
consumer segments. The company expects to break even
this year by offering better product differentiation and
marketing.
new range, it is also in the process of refurbishing its 300
odd franchise shops. The company introduced its textile
brand by setting up its first franchise operated store in
Jeddah in Saudi Arabia recently and would launch more
stores in West Asia and the SAARC countries
DyStar Colours Distribution GmbH opens new European
Warehouse in Biebesheim
Investment seen as important signal for Germany as a location for Business
Eric Hopmann, Managing Director of DyStar Colours
Distribution GmbH (right) and Gerald Floss, 4PL Central
Station Deutschland GmbH officially open the
new European warehouse in Biebesheim, Germany
locations can be centralized in the new warehouse which
allows us to become more efficient and flexible in our
customer supply process.
We are happy to have found a partner in 4PL Central
Station Deutschland GmbH that will support us in the future
as professional logisticians.“ The chairman of the Lonsheng
Group congratulates the teams of DyStar and 4PL for the
quick and successful implementation of this project.
The attendants of the event could view the modern
equipment on a tour through the warehouse. The 5.000
square meter distribution centre was built within 4 months.
All in all, 3.000 tons of concrete and 180 tons of steel were
used to build the warehouse with a 12 meter high rack
system. In accordance with the special regulations for
textile dyes and chemicals, a containment area for
repacking liquids and equipment to stir liquids when
repacking is available.
With a customer event, DyStar Colours Distribution
GmbH, located in Frankfurt-Hoechst, together with 4PL
Central Station Deutschland GmbH, officially started up
the new European warehouse in Biebesheim. 4PL invested For the DyStar group which is headquartered in
about 2.7 Mio Euro to establish this state-of-the-art Singapore, the German and European textile markets play
distribution warehouse for DyStar, in which the inventory an important role despite the crisis in Europe. As the global
of textile dyes and textile auxiliaries is stored. In 2011 the market leader and dyestuff specialist for the textile and
business of DyStar Colours Distribution GmbH showed leather industry, DyStar has several manufacturing sites in
double-digit growth and the new warehouse is an additional
Europe -- in Ludwigshafen, Germany, in Portugal and in
milestone to continue the company‘s expansion path.
Turkey.
“This investment is an important strategic step which
Following the motto “Global presence – local support“,
will bring forth considerable improvement in our logistics
“says Eric Hopmann, Managing Director of DyStar
DyStar and its 2.500 employees offer ISO-certified
Colours Distribution GmbH. “Our capacities from three products and extensive services.
The Apparel Times
Bombay Dyeing Is Looking At Re-Launching Its Textile Brand
31

BUSINESS NEWS
With Lectra Fashion PLM, Baroque streamlines development
and communication for Moussy
The Japanese company Baroque will extend Lectra Fashion PLM to other brands
later this year to drive global business strategy
Lectra, the world leader in integrated technology internal teams and a master product list for merchandising
solutions dedicated to industries using soft
materials—textiles, leather, industrial fabrics, and
and promotion planning.
composite materials—is pleased to announce that the Information was not systematically shared with the
Japanese company Baroque successfully implemented entire Moussy team, which led to lost time through
Lectra Fashion PLM for their top brand, Moussy, in June. unnecessary duplication of tasks.
They will extend implementation to Sly and other Lectra Fashion PLM contributed to a significant and
brands before the end of 2012. Baroque is a leading fast- immediate reduction in documentation and an increase in
fashion brand-retailer for young Japanese women. The visibility of each team member’s work. “With higher
company has experienced continuous growth despite a visibility, we can continue to streamline the way we work
stagnant Japanese apparel market, with revenues reaching for increased agility. For example, instead of preparing
55.1 billion yen (+25% compared to the previous year) and separate documents for merchandisers and marketing, these
an operating income of 7 billion yen.
teams can simply rely on PLM to find the information they
need,” Tanaka continues. This not only reduces workload,
“We chose Lectra after carefully researching over 10 but also pushes information where it is needed, rather than
domestic and international solution providers,” explains requiring people to hunt down details. This was an
Jun Tanaka, Information Technology Department Manager important consideration for Baroque, as one of the
at Baroque. “This is our first time working with Lectra, and company’s strategic goals is to aggressively expand into the
their expertise in apparel-dedicated tools and global Chinese market.
presence were very attractive to us. Design and
implementation were completed quickly, and Lectra In addition to streamlining apparel development and
Fashion PLM went live for Moussy exactly as planned in internal communication in Japan, a synchronized team will
June.”
be needed to support future growth in China. Baroque’s
objective is to have 100 shops in China by January 2014, an
increase from the 19 in place as of June this year. “Our
business model requires delivery of new items to shops 2 or
3 times per week. In order for us to succeed in China, where
competition is becoming increasingly intense, it is critical
to master information by having an infrastructure that
supports the entire product flow from planning and
development to shop delivery. In order to succeed abroad, it
is important to redefine our process and streamline the flow
of information with a global perspective,” said Isao Sado,
CFO, Baroque.
Prior to investing in a PLM solution, Baroque
conducted an internal audit to identify areas of
improvement. They determined the root cause of their
challenges to be in the early stages of planning and
development, as well as in communication.
As a fast-growing, trend-oriented, fast-fashion
business focused on aggressive and rapid expansion,
Baroque deals with a growing number of increasingly
varied items produced in small volumes, under a number of
different brands. Before implementing Lectra Fashion
PLM, Baroque relied on email and spreadsheets to link
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“In order to succeed in a difficult economy and under
fierce competition, fashion companies must equip
themselves with a strong process and tools that give them
the flexibility to react to continuous market evolutions,”
emphasizes Daniel Harari, Lectra CEO. “We are pleased
that our forty years of expertise in fashion have benefited
Baroque in such a fundamental way.”
“For a successful PLM implementation, it is important
to build good communication, both internally and with your
technology partner. During the internal audit period, we
made sure that our entire team was involved and shared the
challenge together. Lectra did the same and we appreciate
their commitment,” Tanaka concluded.
September-October 2012