Huge scope for processing industry face-lift: S Rajendran

With ecology and quality of end-products becoming major concerns, even the B- and C-segments of textile processing are keen to modernise, and A.T.E. offers a comprehensive package for these segments. S Rajendran, VP (Textile Engineering, Processing, ETP & Utilities) of A.T.E. Enterprises Pvt Ltd, spoke to Samuel Joseph, Editor of The ITJ in an exclusive interview. Excerpts:

What are the different portfolios A.T.E. Group offers in textile processing?

A.T.E. is the only company that can offer a complete package in processing. Whether it is fibre or yarn or knitted fabric, denim or even terry towel processing, we have the most reliable solution. This is the strength of A.T.E. I joined as the Head of Processing at A.T.E. in 2006 and my first concern was to strengthen the product portfolios of this division. Because some years back, A.T.E. was well know for its strength in spinning. We wanted to give a strong signal to the market that we are getting stronger in processing too. We had a lot of gaps in the product portfolios, and in four years, we consolidated our position. For instance, there was no product for knit dyeing and processing. In the process, we brought in some new principals and also replaced some of the existing ones in favour of advanced technologies.

Which are the major principals and technologies available with A.T.E.?

Ostoff, Germany for singeing machines; Goller for complete wet processing like bleaching and washing ranges; Monforts and Monfong?s for dry finishing machines like stenters; Ramisch Guaneri for calendering machine; Corino for squeezer and tubular opening, etc. We are very successful in establishing the Econtrol machine of Monforts in India. Besides, recently, we have tied up with Color Services for dispensing chemicals. We have all the well-reputed brands in the market for processing.

Processing is one of the weakest links in textile supply chain in India. How has been its development over the years? Processing like weaving is also a weak link in India?s supply chain, compared to spinning, which is in a very organised sector. However in the last more than one decade good investments are happening in processing. Many new projects are coming up, but the concern is that of the B and C segments, mostly the decentralised sector. Overall, till today, only 5 per cent of the unorganised sector of processing is only modernised. This underscores the point that there is a huge scope for more investment in this sector. But one could see year after year latest technologies in processing are coming into India. For instance, the latest Econtrol machines of Monforts ? today India is the only country having the highest number of these machines. It is very clear that the processing segment is getting stronger and stronger. Let us have a look at printing and one can witness a exponential interest in digital printing.

What about the independent processors, which our country has in plenty, and what developments are happening here?

As I said about new investments in the last two decades, this has been happening mainly in the corporate segment, the A segment with big companies like Welspun, Vardhman, Premier, etc, which have made good investments and gone all-out for modernisation. Now the focus has shifted to the B-segments, wherein the upper crust is really going for face-lift and technological upgradation. For instance, very recently, we have supplied two Goller machines to a processor in Ahmedabad, who is doing commission processing. This same company has even gone for digital printing with a Zimmer machine. Another brand-new machine has been installed at a Delhi company. All these clearly show the shift that is happening now, that of second tier manufacturers going for latest processing machines.