In a move that addresses the growing awareness of, and the demand for, organic clothing, textile major Mandhana Industries will start manufacturing organic cotton fabric. The company had recently announced Rs 377 crore expansion plans that included setting up of new manufacturing capacities.
Answering an Indiaretailng query on the company’s India plans, as it concentrates more on foreign markets, Manish Mandhana, managing director, Mandhana Industries, said: “Though we are known as exporters, about 50 per cent of our business is concentrated in domestic market. In terms of technology, we are in the process of commencing production of organic cotton fabric. Year 2007 has been very encouraging as our customer base has extended, and there was no impact of rupee appreciation on business.”
Asked if the company is planning to launch an apparel brand, Mandhana said: “We have it in our long-term plans, but as of now, a roadmap of its launch is not yet ready.”
Mandhana also empathised with Indiaretailing’s idea of branding handicraft and ethnicwear, saying, “It seems to be a good concept, but as of now we have no such plans.”
The company is expanding its existing garment manufacturing units at Tarapur near Mumbai and in Bengaluru. It is also setting up a design and development centre at Sewri in Mumbai.
Mandhana Industries has its manufacturing facilities and marketing set-ups in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, New Delhi and Paris. Also on the card is an office in the United States.
The company is expecting a turnover of Rs 420 crore in financial year 2008, and is aiming to cross Rs 1,000 crore by 2010.
– Ranjan Kaplish
