More than 40% of our products are exported

Since 1956, Ideal has been engaged in manufacturing accessories for textile – spinning and weaving machines. The company has five manufacturing units located at Ahmedabad that serves a very wide range of products, including ring temple cylinders, ball bearing bobbing holders, tin roller pulleys, and spindle button & spring assemblies for high speed spindles. In an interaction with the ITJ, Laxmikant Rathi, President, Ideal Group of Companies, shares details on how his company meets the challenges of the markets demand, and major products for the industry and its distinguishing characteristics and features.

Excerpts…

The textile accessories/parts manufacturing has undergone changes in the recent times. How has this changed in the segment your company represents, with regard to products and also production processes globally and also in India in order to keep in tune with changing times?

Yes, it is true that the accessories and parts manufacturers have undergone tremendous changes in the recent times. At Ideal, we continue to work on three dimensions:

1.Product innovation:

• HCC tube from Ideal has been big success. These light weight, slim tubes have helped to reduce the power consumption and increase efficiency of ring and winding machines.
• Spinning spandex yarn on link winder had been a major challenge. Ideal’s “MAGIC CATCH” design enabled spinners to run the link winding machines with fine spandex yarn; with ease! Use of “MAGIC CATCH” tube could increase the link winding machine efficiency considerably.
• New HIG tubes are specially designed for high impact strength and excellent gliding properties. It gives excellent results even at adverse working condition. We have used long bush inside the tube with excellent wear resistance and gliding properties; with lower wall thickness.

2. Process optimisation: Increasing process efficiency thereby reducing the cost was another task we had undertaken. Addition of online testing equipment helps us for consistent product quality.

3. Customer orientation: Providing right product to the customer by understanding the machines and working parameters.

How is your company meeting the challenges of the markets demands today? If any upgradation/expansion has happened, please give details.

Apart from product upgradation, Ideal has undergone capacity increase. During last two years, we have increased the production capacity by almost 100 per cent.We have added Japanese and American make injection molding machines for better quality and higher production.

In recognition of our efforts in technology development, IDEAL is recognised as a Research and Development organisation by the DSIR. In-house tool room enables us to provide customised solution at shortest possible time.

What are your major products for the industry? What are the distinguishing characteristics and features of your major products?

We are manufacturing spinning tubes, roving bobbins, perforated dye cheese, cones, yarn guides and bobbin holders. Yarn carriers (bobbins and tubes) are approved by all machinery manufacturers. Apart from maintaining the dimensional standards, Ideal is using best of raw material and their compounds. With the new compounds, our products have better working properties.

Are similar but cheaper products hurting your industry? Give some details. Do you think Government intervention is needed to stem cheap import? What are the other measures that you think are necessary?

One can’t ignore competition, whether domestic or international. We are focused on our operational efficiency so that we can remain competitive without compromising on the quality. Ideal use only virgin polymer and do face some competition due to recycled material.

Make in India is progressing well in many segments. How has it made strides in your company’s production? What are the specific quality measures you have adopted/installed to take care of this?

The textile machine accessories business in India is more than Rs 2,000 crore. The business can be further scaled up by technology acquisition, investment in R&D and technology. Government can support by way of financial assistance like capital and interest subsidy for technological upgradation. Representation at International forums under “Make in India” can be a good idea.

Is your company in export? Which are the markets, old and new? What are the scope, prospects and problems?

Ideal has increased its presence in countries like Bangladesh, Indonesia, Vietnam, Europe, etc. Mexico, Uzbekistan are the new markets we started recently. More than 40 per cent of our production is exported. We receive due respect in the International market due to high quality and reasonable price.

In domestic production, does your company have any future plans to expand or diversify into other related products? Give some details, if so.

We have added lot of products in yarn dyeing segment. Our dye cheese are working for more than 100 cycles. More variants in terms of size and material are being added.

With Western countries moving out of accessories market, do you see vast scope for India making a bigger impact in this market, in accessories and as OEM supplier? What are your suggestions for the industry and the Government in this regard?

There is no doubt on the scope and opportunities. Very few manufacturers can make the varieties we make (types and colours). This gives us an edge even over European manufacturers. Ideal is supplying our products to major OEMs from Europe and Asia.

Our suggestion to the industry is to make quality products and help in building “Made in India” brand. Lets adopt to world-class systems and processes, maintain highest standards in ISO, 5S and six sigma.