HASGROUP: A Turkish Delight in finishing

HAS Group Makina Endustri AS (HASGROUP), Turkey established in 1984 in Turkey, is a leader in textile finishing, carpet-back coating, technical textiles and special projects. The Groups machines are run in 47 countries from Americas to Far East. HASGROUP continues its researches in order to offer new solutions for ever-changing customer needs. Laser cutting, CNC-controlled frames, CNC lathe-processing centres make sure that all machines are manufactured with micron precision.

In textile finishing, HASGROUP stenter frames, sanforizing, denim finishing line, raising, shearing, brushing, compacting, drying and tumbler machines work to the satisfaction of their users in denim, woven, knitted and nonwoven areas.

Back in 2004, Procter & Gamble chose HASGROUPs Special Projects Department for their projects on paper products, diaper and sanitary-pad machines. In a technical joint venture with worldwide known brands of elastane, knitting machines, dyestuff- and chemicals manufacturers, the Group intends to offer package-solutions to customers for all kinds of their needs.

HASGROUP has started focusing on the Indian market, about which it holds out very high hopes. Its order book position from India is quite healthy. HASGROUPs Regional Sales Manager, Ahmet Gecikli, who exudes more optimism about the Indian market, spoke to Samuel Joseph, Editor of The Indian Textile Journal in an exclusive email interview.

Excerpts:

ITJ Editor: When did HASGROUP enter the Indian market? How has it been doing till now?
Ahmet Gecikli: India has always been a priority market for HASGROUP thanks to its capacity and growth potential. In India the Groups machines have been running for several years to the full satisfaction of our customers. However after ITME 2012 in Mumbai more focus has been given to this important market.

Considering the geographical size of India and the need to give fast service to business partners, today our group works in collaboration with 3 agents across India, namely North, Central and South India.

In North India, O Satheesh Kumar from HV Marketing; in Central India, Abhay Potnis from A-1 Enterprises and in South India Shyamkumar from Tefoc understand the needs of the market and transmit the feedback to HASGROUP, which drives all the business strategy of our company.

The market has very well appreciated this new approach, which further improved our technical and after-sales services. With this impetus HASGROUP sees a big growth potential in India. Our market share will have increased by the end of 2014 thanks to the repeat orders received in 2013.

ITJ Editor: How do you compare the Indian market with your other global markets? Give some details about your other major markets also.
Ahmet Gecikli: India today is the second largest textiles market in the world and is still growing fast. Next to quantity, India develops and improves the quality as well. Worldwide known brands shift more of their productions to India every year and this trend is expected to continue the same way over the years ahead. Even from China buyers are coming to India to source their textile products. Adding the young, and high-skilled technical capability of manufacturing staff, India is right in being optimistic about the future.

Together with India, textile business in South America is in an increasing trend. Especially in denims capacity is increasing together with quality requirement. HASGROUP made its entry to denim by signing agreements with Vicunha Textiles for their stenter frame and sanforising machine needs.

In general, quality conscious customers have common requ