On the occasion of a glorious journey over 125 years of Mohota Group in the textile industry and 25 years of Gimatex Industries anniversary, Mr. J. B. Soma, Hon. Asso. Editor & Publisher of JTA, took the opportunity to have the deliberate with Mr. Prashant Mohota on the Textile Value Chain.
First of all on behalf of the Textile Association (India), we heartily congratulate you, your full family and the entire Gimatex Industries team for very successfully completed its excellent journey of 125 years of Mohota Group and 25 years of Gimatex Industries.
Q.: Sir, please introduce a brief about your Company
Gimatex Industries Pvt. Ltd., established in the year 1993, was set up with a vision to provide premium quality textile products to its customers using the Latest in textile technology. The company continuously invests in upgraded technology, people and infrastructure. Run by a highly dynamic and experienced management and supported by a strong skilled workforce of 5000 people the group has become a strong player in the market and a name to reckon with. Today Gimatex is a completely integrated textile facility with Ginning, Spinning, Weaving, Processing units & Garmenting under its fold. Its plants are located in the heart of cotton growing belt of India which ensures shorter lead times and quality selection of its raw materials. It is also part of the 1st Integrated textile park project of Vidarbha under the centre’s SITP scheme. Also the company has diversified into the area of Scientific Cotton-Seed Processing by setting up a first Gossypol free Cotton Seed Protein meal plant along with an integrated Cotton Oil refinery. Gimatex has thrived using values of innovation, quality, and ethical practices as its pillars of growth.
Q.: Mohota Group has a glorious history of over 125 years in the textile industry. Tell us about some of the important highlights, achievements, milestones during this journey.
Following chart shows a road map of the a successful journey of our group
Q.: According to you, how has the industry improved over the last few decades?
Over the years we see that industry has significantly improved in terms of efficiency in its processes innovations for the products and delivering a cause effective and sustainable product solution for deserving customers. Huge improvement has taken place in terms of finishes in various fabrics so that it can sustain and last for longer use and as per the product application. Technology has improved significantly where we see machines talking to the computers and all kinds of data availability for making quick and improved decision making.
Q.: How do you plan to celebrate 125 years of Mohota Group and 25 years of Gimatex? What is the future course for the company?
On 25th of March, 2022, Gimatex celebrated its 25th anniversary and 125 years of textile history of the Mohota group. On this momentous occasion, Gimatex inaugurated its new manufacturing facilities, namely the 10 TPD Open End Unit at Wani and the 25 TPD Spinning Unit at Hinganghat Integrated Textile Park. Furthermore, Gimatex also launched its Premium e-commerce Apparel Brand ‘Minus One’ in the same event.
Various Dignitaries from across India and abroad graced the occasion. Mr. Sanjay Jayavarthanavelu, Chairman of Lakshmi Machine Works was the Chief Guest and Mr. Ajay Arora, MD of D’Decor, was the guests of Honor. Other prominent personalities include Mr. Kishanji Poddar (Siyarams), Mr. Hisahiro Koketsu (MD, Toyota), Mr. Pankaj Sarda (Jt. MD, Sarda Energy & Minerals), Mr. Manish Kumar, Mr. Anil Jain, Mr. Aditya Jain and Mr. Masayuki Yamamoto among many others.
It is pertinent to note that, Gimatex’s first manufacturing facility in Wani started operations in 1997 and has entered a period of constant expansions and rapid growth. The new Open End Unit at Wani adds yarn manufacturing capability to manufacture Recycled fibre based fabrics. At Hinganghat Integrated Textile Park, the new spinning facility adds further 32,000 spindles to their existing capacity of 1,68,000 spindles. Combined, these new units also contribute to tremendous employment in the local region to the tune of additional 500 people. The dedication, integrity and passion with which all the family members have served the company has led to the 6th generation of the Mohota family to continue in the same business.
Gimatex has always focused on value addition in the cotton sector. By launching Minus One Gimatex has completed an integration from Cotton Fibers to Fashion segment and added tremendous value to the cotton lifecycle. Moreover, by using only Vidharbha cotton in their products, Gimatex is supporting the local farmers and alleviating the difficulties faced by them in recent times. Previously, Gimatex had installed a scientific cotton seed processing unit to add value to the Cotton chain, and with Minus One they have extended this philosophy further.
On this important occasion, GIMATEX has made a commitment of contributing Rs. 25 per pc sale of Minus One Apparel & Rs. 100 per Quintal sale on GIMA WHITEGOLD Cotton Seed Refined Oil. This contribution will be used for welfare of the Cotton farming community
Additionally, to mark the celebrations of the milestone year, Gimatex has taken over the maintenance and upkeep of the main squares, fountains and decorative lightings of Hinganghat Town, from Subhash Chowk to Tukdoji Chow. They also felicitated 18 staff members who have served them for more than 35 years in a short program at their Club House.
Gimatex has always received great support from the local community. Through their development activities, they have always focused on the growth of the local areas and will continue to do so in future. As they mark their special occasion in 2022, Gimatex wishes that you continue to stand with them on their onward journey. Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas!
Q.: Cotton and cotton yarn prices and market have been in a flux for many months now. How has it been for Gimatex? How have you managed to keep margins and supplies intact in this situation?
Yes, the prices have Sky rocketed in the last one and half year particularly more so after the Corona Pandemic, it has been very complicated for spinners if we consider today’s cotton price we do not find any margin in terms of Yarn spinning for the reason that costs have significantly gone up in terms of labour, power as well as cost of all other inputs. Yes, we have been able to keep our margins only because of the right timing of fibre purchase and ensuring that quality cotton is acquired through our ginning operations.
Q.: A much-used statement is that Weaving and Processing are the weak links in the Indian textile industry. On this what are your views, given that you are an integrated textile manufacturer?
Yes, definitely the downstream processes like weaving / knitting and their processing as well as Apparels remain to be the weak links in the Indian textile industry. If we see besides us i.e. Bangladesh, we see that they have really developed themselves in terms of garment manufacturing which is ensuring a pull for the backward processes starting from spinning and therefore the country is self-sufficient in itself in catering or expanding in textile operations in time to come.
In India now with the aid of PLI and many other incentives scheme like RODTEP, ROSTCL, we see some shift happening towards large scale manufacturer coming in the field of garmenting where we need corporate entities to make an efficient garment operation.
Q.: Sir, do you have any expansion or diversification plans in future?
Recent investment – At Bela Unit for spinning 32000 Spindles for Viscose & Cotton Compact yarns, At Wani Unit Open end Unit for making PC & Cotton Coarse count yarns (7 to 20 ne) and Processing Unit at Ahmadabad, Dholka for Soft Flow machines for processing of Viscose based fabrics with Up–gradation of ETP to ZLD (Zero Liquid Discharge) setup, along with MEE & Sludge dryer.
Upcoming expansion – New 32 Thousand Spindles & new Airjet looms 120 and Weaving Preparatory.
Q.: How do you expect the Russia-Ukraine conflict to impact the Indian and international textile industry? How are you preparing to safeguard your interests? Please advice to the industry.
I am yet to exactly understand how this will impact but given the current scenario it seems that this war is going to last pretty long and it will definitely affect the consumer interest in European countries therefore, I believe India’s exports to Europe will definitely get affected in short term as well as long term.
Yeah my advice to the industry in the current scenario would only be to ensure that the customer base expands from European Nations to other alternatives like South American and far Eastern countries as well, so that we are able to hedge our rest in case Europe or some Western countries try to sanction India for taking a neutral stand on Russian Ukraine conflict. One should also try and ensure that whatever market is being created because of China plus one policy is also garnered by Indian operations or Indian Products.
Q.: What are your new products, Innovations and Technological advantage?
New Products details include GRS products in cotton (20%) and polyester. Spandex yarns & fabrics, Organic fabric, Specialized finishes in processed fabrics. We have manufactured Tencel lycra & viscose lycra fabrics and successfully delivered bulk quantities to top brands.
Cottonseed & Soyabean Oil and Cottonseed & Soyabean DOC
An innovative and first of its kind trouser, with stretchable waistband, which makes the user very comfortable, was designed by D & D centre, Ahmadabad. The product was a result of using an integrated approach for making super fine quality of 100% cotton products using Vidarbha Premium Quality cotton. This product was launched under the brand name of “Minus One”.
Completing its vision to serve textiles with Farm to Fashion approach Gimatex Launched Gimaq brand of In-house clothing having 200+ SKU’s in its product range.
Technological advantage – Integrated plant gives better quality feedback from user angle. Also continuous upgradation in latest technology machines gives better quality control & efficient production systems.
Industry 4.0 – In house App for employees by the name of GIMA – SMART App for customers by the name of G-FORCE (Factual Operating Resource for Customer Ease) App for direct Production recording from Production machines.
Q: What is the Share of domestic business and exports and who are your key customers in India and Globally?
Export sale 25.28% & 74.72% Domestic sale for financial year 2020-2021 of Gimatex and in India key customers are:
- Siyaram
- Asahi Kasei Corporation
- D’décor
- Shahi Export Pvt. Ltd.
Q.: What advantages you offer compared to other competitors and why should a customer source from you when there are so many other options available?
Advantage would be in terms of the basket of products that comes from the house of Gimatex as our product portfolio encompasses basic cotton, polyester & viscose yarn and lot of value added products which include Ecovero, Modals, Excels, Tencels and their related products. Also we manufacture range of fabric and process fabric made of varieties of yarns. This integration helps in getting better quality products in shorter lead times. The other advantages will be;
Having a trustworthy partner having more than 120+ years of textile business experience.
Various certifications like OEKOTEX, GRS, GOTS, BCI and Many others.
Availability of all spinning technologies ie. Ring, Ring Compact, Open End & Vortek Airjet Yarn, slub & Core spun yarn both single and two ply (TFO).
Possibility of extending relationship from Farm to Fashion ie from Cotton fibre to Garmenting.
High reliability in terms of product quality and delivery.
Q.: How do you focus on sustainability and are there any recent initiatives taken towards sustainable manufacturing?
Sustainability, I believe is the Key Differentiator now as every buyer prefers to deal with companies having good sustainability factors. Our sustainability journey starts from using Sustainable fibres for our Yarn and Fabric productions like Organic Cotton /GOTS, BCI Cotton, Ecovero Viscose / Liva ECO, FSC Viscose, Recycled Polyester (GRS), Tencel /Lyocell, Bamboo, Dyed Yarns (Black/Melange).
Other Sustainable Practises Followed At Gimatex:
- Using own waste pre consumer waste for recycling.
- New energy efficient centrifugal compressor to replace exiting
- Rain water is harvested to the tune of 50,000 M. Cube per annum.
- Solar Power generation 2 MW capacity equivalents of 1246KWH.
- Use of recyclable packing materials.
- Use of non-harmful chemicals as per guidelines of “OEKO-TEX” Class-1 Appendix 6 complied.
- Continuous training & Skill Development programs for all workmen specially women.
- Focus on Power & Water conservation all year around.
- Continuous plantation & cleaning campaign with a motto of Green & Clean Gimatex. (Above 5000 Trees).
- CSR for better infrastructure, education, health and women empowerment.
- In-house use of electric vehicle for material transportation and man power movement.
Benefits to Customer:
- Traceability & transaction certificate as per product need.
- Cost Effective, genuine & diverse product range.
- Possibility of branding with various brands & suppliers promoting sustainability.
- Remunerative product mix for International & domestic markets.
- Contribution toward betterment of society & nature.
Q.: How the company is adopting Automation and Industry 4.0 in the manufacturing process?
Today technology has improved tremendously with huge digitalization on its way. All the new facilities that are getting set up come with Machines with state-of-the-art technology in terms of how these machines deliver their key information to computers or hand held devices. Even existing facility have been integrated with our ERP system to directly compile information. All information are recorded at source itself which improves the quality of data significantly. Many apps have been developed for in house use where all this information is presented for better decision making.
Q.: Finally, what are your future growth plans and vision for 2025? What do you want your company to be in 2025 and beyond?
Our company plans to grow both vertically & horizontally. Capacities will mostly by doubled by 2025 in our existing facilities and add B to C segment by launching our own brand in garments. Also we plant to enter the knit segment as well. We want to enter the digital space with D2C (Direct to Consumer) connect, creating our own Garment brand, which will stand out as innovative, and provide next level comfort to all users. With our presence across the value chain, we can use direct consumer feedback to provide better quality products to the consumer.
Dear Mr. Prashant Ji, we are very much thankful to you for sparing your valuable time with us and shared a lot which shall be aspiration to the young entrepreneurs.