4,000 visitors meet 100 exhibitors on first day of ITMACH

A maiden venture of Textile Excellence, the country’s leading textile publication, ITMACH 2014, from January 22-24, is also the first textile machinery event of its kind, organized in the country’s largest powerloom weaving cluster.  ITMACH 2014, Bhiwandi, is the first in the series of localized textile engineering exhibitions that the organizers – Textile Excellence – have planned.

The exhibition, at Indian Corporation Premises in Bhiwandi, was inaugurated by Rasheed Tahir Momin, MLA, Bhiwandi (West), Rupesh Mhatre, MLA, Bhiwandi (East), and M Y Momin, a veteran in the Indian textile industry, and President, Bhiwandi Weavers’ Federation.

The guests of honour, in their address, hailed the efforts of Textile Excellence, for organizing the show in the Bhiwandi cluster. According to Rasheed Tahir Momin, “Weavers in this cluster today realize that they need to upgrade and move up the value chain to survive in a competitive market. Technology upgradation for this is very important. Bringing in the right machines to this market, through a show like ITMACH, is very helpful for this cluster. I am sure the show will be very successful.”

Rupesh Mhatre, in his address, said, “Powerlooms are the mainstay of the economy of Bhiwandi. Millions of families are dependent on this industry. With changing times, weavers here are realizing the importance of improving their production and productivity. ITMACH will help them to understand the kind of machines and technologies they can invest in.”

Speaking during the inaugural program, M Y Momin congratulated Textile Excellence on its pioneering initiative. “Bhiwandi is the country’s largest powerloom cluster, accounting for a majority share of the fabric production in the country.

"There are many government schemes for the betterment of this sector. Weavers need to come forward to avail of these benefits. Opportunities to grow in the market are many today, as the industry tries to increase exports. Bhiwandi powerloom weavers must realize these opportunities and move ahead.”

Around 100 machinery suppliers – Indian and international have participated in ITMACH 2014. Around 4,000 business visitors came to the show on the first day.

Out of 23 lakh registered powerlooms in the country, only 1.05 lakh looms are shuttleless loom. Offtake of powerloom sector under TUFS has been negligible. This highlights the immense investment potential in machinery in Bhiwandi and other powerloom clusters. The government, through its comprehensive cluster development scheme, is encouraging investment in TUFS compatible machinery, as a minimum benchmark.

The show has received the whole-hearted support of various industry associations in Bhiwandi, and from across the country.

ITMACH