Keyur Panchal: “In synthetic fabric variety of new fabrics demand improved drastically.”
Rabatex Group was incepted in the year 1962. 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. Rabatex’s range of machinery are suitable for every segment from micro units to large scale modern units. Keyur Panchal, Executive Director, Rabatex Industries, in this interaction,shares the key innovations and growth areas he foresees for Indian textile machinery manufacturers.
How would you describe the current state of the Indian textile machinery industry?
The domestic textile machinery industry in India is currently performing well, supported by ongoing expansion plans and product diversification within the textile sector. In synthetic fabric variety of new fabrics demand improved drastically.
On the other hand, the international market is experiencing a slowdown due to multiple global challenges, including geopolitical unrest, tariff uncertainties, and disruptions in the supply chain.
What are the biggest challenges your company and the broader machinery sector are currently facing?
One of the major challenges faced by our company and the broader textile machinery sector is the significant influx of substandard and used machinery being imported, often in violation of HSN code regulations. This not only disrupts fair competition but also undermines quality standards within the industry.
How competitive are Indian-made textile machines compared to global standards in terms of technology, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness?
Reputed Indian textile machinery manufacturers have products that are on par with international standards, particularly in segments such as spinning, warp preparation, and processing. These machines offer a strong balance of technological efficiency and cost-effectiveness, making them highly competitive in the global market.
However, there remains a considerable dependency on imported high-speed weaving machines to meet domestic market demand, indicating an area where further development is needed.
How is sustainability being integrated into textile machinery design and manufacturing in your company?
Our manufacturing facility is state‑of‑the‑art, incorporating advanced auxiliary systems to achieve maximum durability, ease of operation, and high levels of automation. These features collectively help reduce production costs and deliver strong returns on investment, while also supporting lower maintenance needs and longer equipment lifespan.
What steps has your company taken towards automation, and how has it impacted production and efficiency?
Our entire product range is integrated with Industry 4.0 automation standards, ensuring optimal production and enhanced efficiency. This approach minimises downtime and is driven by a strong customer-centric focus.
Could you share some of the key innovations or technological advancements your company has recently introduced?
Recently, Rabatex has developed a comprehensive product range for warp preparation of mono mother yarns in the synthetic segment, specifically for both polyester and nylon yarns. Additionally, we have engineered customised technical textile machinery tailored for various sectors, including carbon fiber and multifilament mono yarn weaving in the medical segment, tyre cord fabric preparation, and specialised geogrid fabric production.
Looking ahead, what opportunities and growth areas do you foresee for Indian textile machinery manufacturers in the domestic and global markets?
In addition to apparel weaving, there is significant potential in customised machinery for technical textile production across 12 identified segments, each tailored to specific applications involving performance yarns. This presents substantial growth opportunities in both domestic and global markets for machinery related to technical textiles.
