Shamal and Shamal Pvt Ltd is into manufacturing and sales of textile fabrics. The manufacturing cycle includes designing, weaving, processing and embroidery on different kinds of polyester, nylon, and viscose based fabrics. Owner Sham Shah speaks about his company and its future plans.
How did you come to start your company, who are the founders and what are the milestones achieved?
Shamal and Shamal Pvt Ltd is an India-based company into manufacturing and sales of textile fabrics. The company has inhouse production of fancy fabrics, process to create designer fabrics as per latest trends. The plant manufacturing cycle includes designing, weaving, processing and embroidery on different kinds of polyester, nylon, and viscose based fabrics. The product portfolio includes all kind of embroidery fabrics, dyed garment fabrics, jacquard brocade fabrics, value addition fabrics, dye able fabrics, metallic kasab fabrics, export programme-based fabrics, digital print fabrics, etc. We have over 700 employees working in the company. Our core strength is manufacturing.
How has the weaving industry in India evolved over the years?
The Indian fashion industry has grown by leaps and bounds over the years owing to an increase in western influence, changing tastes and preferences of consumers. The textiles and apparel industry in India will grow to $141 billion by 2021 from $67 billion in 2014. Furthermore, increased penetration of organised retail, favourable demographics and rising income levels are expected to be the key growth drivers of the Indian textiles and apparel industry in the next couple of years.
Has Surat's textile industry recovered from the aftermath of GST and demonetisation?
For a businessman operating on such low margins, the cost of compliance that includes hiring an accountant and tax consultant is definitely a pain. This is one reason we are seeing a resistance against GST. Other contours in GST that have resulted in problems are the inverted duty structure and interpretation on where certain fabrics can be placed. This was the issue that created outrage among textile manufacturers in Surat and attracted national attention.
Which weaving machines are in demand in the domestic and export markets?
Rapier jacquard, and value-added machinery.
What are the challenges that machinery manufacturers in Surat face?
Lack of skilled labour and government system. There is no subsidy or government support to promote textiles on a larger scale.
What are your thoughts on Industry 4.0?
Industry is growing; there is a vast scope for growth, but it's very competitive as well.
What is your annual budget allocated towards R&D? How big is the team?
If you have a good quality product and constant R&D, you will be able to stay stable. We have six people in each department.
What is your production capacity? Where do you source raw material from?
Our daily production capacity is around 30,000 metres per day.
What are the top HR practices followed at your company?
Developing advanced workforce planning capabilities; reducing administrative work for business partners; and, improving line manager capabilities.
What are your expansion plans?
Our plan is to grow online sales and expand business to export markets. (PA)
Published on: 24/07/2018
DISCLAIMER: All views and opinions expressed in this column are solely of the interviewee, and they do not reflect in any way the opinion of Fibre2Fashion.com.
