After mergers and acquisition of majors like Dan River and Rosebys, the Sanjay Dalmia-promoted Gujarat Heavy Chemicals Ltd (GHCL) is set to launch into a new direction. Come August 21, the company will announce its plans to foray into the Indian retail industry.
Though the company officials refused to comment on the plans before launch, GHCL is expected to introduce a chain of stores offering a wide range of home textiles.
GHCL Ltd owns the largest home textile retail chain in the United Kingdom, Rosebys, with a presence of over 300 stores. The company also acquired the third largest home textiles player in the US Market, Dan River Inc.
GHCL is a fully integrated player in the home textiles market with operations spread across the world. The company owns and operates a warehousing network, and has in-house designing capability. It also has an over 200-strong multi-sourcing team in place. The company has established its own brands in home textiles and supplies to prominent retail chains such as JC Penny, K-Mart, Wal-Mart, Bed, Bath & Beyond, and Kohl’s. It has recently signed up with Sony Pictures for its brands. Dan River is in the process of acquiring the top-line of related companies in the United States including HW Baker.
The company has built a state-of-the-art home textile manufacturing facility at Vapi, Gujarat, with an investment of Rs 230 crore. Operational since July 2006, GHCL expects o expand the plant’s capacity in spinning from 85,000 spindles to 1,40,000 spindles over the next two years.
