Rabatex’s goals are aligned with the evolving demands of the weaving market

Rabatex Group was incepted in the year 1962, and used to manufacture basic sectional warping machines, material handling-storage machinery, and customised machinery. Now the company offers advanced computerised sectional warping machines, single end sample warping machines, single end sizing machines, Speciality warping creels with electronic controls, precision tensioner, material handling – storage equipment for various industry, customised tailor made machinery for technical textile. Keyur Panchal, Executive Director, Rabatex Industries, shares insights into the company’s offerings and future plans in this discussion with Divya Shetty.

How would you assess the current state of the Indian weaving industry in terms of its growth, innovation, and global competitiveness?

The Indian weaving industry has experienced significant growth and transformation in recent years.

Growth:

• ⁠Increasing demand: The Indian textile industry has witnessed steady growth, driven by rising domestic demand and exports.
• ⁠Government initiatives by central as well as state: Schemes like the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) and the Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (ATUFS) have encouraged investment and modernisation.
• ⁠Growing e-commerce: Online platforms have opened new avenues for weavers to reach customers directly.

Innovation:

• ⁠Adoption of technology: Indian weavers have started embracing automation, computer-aided design (CAD), and digital printing.
• ⁠Sustainable practices: There’s a growing focus on eco-friendly and sustainable weaving practices, such as using natural dyes and organic cotton.
• ⁠Design innovation: Indian designers are experimenting with new patterns, colors, and fabrics, giving traditional weaving techniques a modern twist.

Global competitiveness:

• Rising exports: India’s textile exports have increased, driven by growing demand from countries like the US, EU, and China.
• ⁠Need for upgradation: To remain competitive, Indian weavers must invest in modern machinery, technology, and skills development.

Can you highlight any recent innovations introduced by Rabatex Industries that are shaping the future of the weaving industry?

Rabatex Industries is proudly introduced the “SPLITMATIC” – mono mother yarn split sectional warping machine in mid-2024. This revolutionary technology seamlessly integrates the yarn splitting process into the warping stage, yielding significant benefits for textile manufacturers.

The SPLITMATIC offers a trifecta of advantages:

• Enhanced efficiency: Substantial reduction in manpower costs and processing time.
• ⁠Optimised resource utilisation: Minimised yarn waste, resulting in cost savings and environmental benefits.
• ⁠Superior quality: Production of high-quality weaver beams, ensuring exceptional textile products.

The SPLITMATIC has already made a significant impact in the domestic market, with customers praising its performance, reliability, and return on investment. As a testament to our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, the SPLITMATIC is poised to revolutionise the textile industry’s warping process.

In your opinion, what strategic steps should India take to establish itself as a global leader in the weaving sector?

India, with its rich textile heritage and vast weaving expertise, has tremendous potential to become a global leader in the weaving sector. To achieve these following steps might be helpful : Strengthening of Industry-Academia Partnerships, Enhancing Design and Product Development, Encouraging Innovation and R&D,  ⁠Investment in Infrastructure Development, to Promote Skill Development and Training, Implementation of Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Practices, ⁠Developing a Strong Brand Identity (Made in India), Foster International Collaborations and Trade, ⁠Leverage Digital Technologies, Better/realistic ⁠Government Support and Policy Framework.

What are the key challenges currently confronting the Indian weaving industry, and how can they be effectively addressed?

The Indian weaving industry, despite its rich heritage and potential, faces several challenges that hinder its growth and competitiveness. Some of the key challenges are:

The Indian weaving industry faces several challenges that limit its growth and competitiveness. Outdated technology and infrastructure, such as reliance on manual looms, hinder productivity, while inconsistent quality and lack of standardisation affect reputation and exports. Limited access to finance and markets, especially for rural weavers, further restricts opportunities. The industry also struggles with competition from cheap imports, environmental and social concerns like pollution and unfair labour practices, and a significant skill gap. Additionally, weak branding and marketing efforts make it difficult to compete globally. Addressing these issues through modernisation, quality control, sustainable practices, training programs, and strategic branding can drive the industry’s growth.

To effectively address these challenges, the Indian government, industry stakeholders, and NGOs can collaborate on the following initiatives:

Revitalising the Indian weaving industry requires key initiatives. Incentives for adopting modern looms, vocational training to bridge skill gaps, and strategic branding through campaigns and trade fairs are essential. Providing rural weavers with access to finance, marketing support, and e-commerce platforms will expand opportunities. Emphasising sustainability and fair labour practices can address environmental and social concerns. These measures can help the industry overcome challenges, enhance competitiveness, and achieve sustainable growth.

Could you elaborate on Rabatex Industries’ short-term and long-term goals, and how these align with the evolving demands of the weaving market?

Rabatex Industries, as a leading player in the weaving sector, has a clear vision for its future growth and development. Our goals are aligned with the evolving demands of the weaving market, which is driven by factors such as sustainability, innovation, and customer-centricity.

Over the next 4–5 years, our short-term goals focus on driving growth and innovation. We aim to expand production capacity by 50 per cent to meet increasing demand in domestic and international markets. Investments in technology upgradation will modernise machinery, enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality. To stay ahead of industry trends, we plan to diversify our product portfolio with innovative, value-added weaving solutions. Additionally, we will prioritise stronger customer engagement through regular feedback, tailored solutions, and exceptional after-sales support.

In the next 5–7 years, we aim to lead in sustainable weaving by adopting eco-friendly practices and reducing waste. A dedicated R&D centre will drive innovation, creating advanced solutions for evolving markets. We plan to expand globally into Asia, Africa, and Latin America through strategic partnerships and local manufacturing. Additionally, we will leverage Industry 4.0 technologies like AI and IoT to optimise operations and enhance customer experiences.

How does Rabatex Industries integrate sustainability into its operations, and what role do sustainable practices play in the future of the weaving industry?

At Rabatex Industries, we recognise the importance of sustainability in our operations and the weaving industry as a whole. We’ve embarked on a journey to integrate sustainable practices into our business, ensuring a positive impact on the environment, society, and our stakeholders.

Our sustainability initiatives focus on reducing environmental impact and promoting responsible practices. We have invested in renewable energy, particularly solar power, to lower our carbon footprint, and implemented rainwater harvesting and efficient water management systems to conserve water. A comprehensive waste management program minimises waste generation and promotes recycling, while our commitment to sustainable sourcing ensures environmentally responsible raw materials that meet international standards. Additionally, upgrading to energy-efficient equipment has reduced energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Sustainable practices, including the use of eco-friendly materials, digital printing, and circular business models, are transforming the weaving industry. Increased adoption of sustainable materials is driving innovation and investment in green supply chains. Emerging technologies like blockchain, AI, and IoT enhance sustainability, transparency, and efficiency. Circular economy principles are gaining prominence, emphasising recycling, reuse, and waste reduction. Furthermore, stakeholders are demanding greater transparency and accountability, pushing companies to adopt sustainable practices and robust reporting frameworks. Advanced technologies, such as automation and AI, are playing a pivotal role in this transformation, with Rabatex Industries leveraging these innovations to optimise processes and enhance sustainability.

What role do advanced technologies such as automation and AI play in transforming the weaving landscape, and how is Rabatex Industries leveraging these advancements?

Advanced technologies like automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are revolutionising the weaving landscape, transforming traditional manufacturing processes and driving innovation. These technologies play a crucial role in:

At Rabatex Industries, we utilise advanced technologies to boost efficiency, improve quality, and reduce costs. Automation and AI streamline production, minimise errors, and enhance productivity, while AI-powered systems ensure consistent quality with real-time defect detection. These technologies enable rapid design changes and flexible production scheduling to meet market demands. We also reduce operational costs by optimising energy use and minimising waste.

We invest in automated weaving machines, AI-driven quality control, and data analytics with IoT sensors to monitor processes and reduce downtime. Digital design and simulation tools speed up prototyping, and we explore cobots to improve safety and productivity.