The textile machinery industry should invest more in R&D

Located in Coimbatore, Sieger Spintech Equipments Pvt Ltd offers cost-effective solutions in sheet metal fabrication, textile machinery and industrial automation. D Srinivasan, Director of Sieger Spintech, talks on the company?s performance at ITMA.

What do you think is the status of our textile machinery, parts & accessories industry — a SWOT analysis from your side.

Strengths: We have the infrastructure to meet higher demand. Continued R&D has made us comparable with the best in the world.; Weakness: Inconsistent demand in the industry, and increasing costs of labour, power and logistics will make us less competitive.; Opportunities: Global requirements and acceptance of Indian products is an opportunity for us.; Threats: The local indiscriminate copying of the products and ideas, and imports from other low cost economies.

What are your company?s contribution to the textile industry? And what are the plans for the future?

We have made machines that are import substitute, the machines are economical to own. We have saved over $20 million for the industry in forex. On an average 8,000 tonnes of yarn is conditioned in Sieger machines offering superior performance in weaving & knitting.

How has your company been faring in the export markets for your machinery?

We have our presence in most of the Asian countries within the spinning space. We have a good market share in all the markets.

What is your wish-list for the textile machinery industry and also the Government?

Our textile machinery industry should invest more in R&D, and we need to lure talent from premier institutes like IITs. The service support should be dependable. Our products, if focused on lower power consumption and usage of resources like water and compressed, can be leaders in the industry. Clear statistics like production and demand in the textile industry is required to be provided by the Government. Regional subsidies are creating excess capacities and denying level-playing field for everyone. The loss and bankruptcy of a textile mill is a loss to the bank and in turn to the exchequer as well. Every Government is protecting the local industry and exports from India will have resistance in exports. We need to focus on local consumption as well.

How were your expectations met at the ITMA 2015 in Milan?

We consider ITMA or any exhibition as an opportunity to meet customers and know about various products and services. Rather than focusing on concluding orders at ITMA we showcased our capabilities. ITMA, being an international event once in four years, we expected more of overseas visitors and representatives who can promote Sieger products. We have been participating in ITMA as a visitor and exhibitor since 1997. This show was impressive and we saw a good participation from India.