Chinese sewing machine firms plan warehouses in South India

The Chinese sewing machine manufacturing companies are planning to set up warehouses in South India to supply their products off the shelf to clients.

The companies, under the banner of China Sewing Machinery Association (CSMA), in association with Clothing Manufacturers' Association of India (CMAI), is evaluating various cities and towns to set up the warehouses.

"The warehouses could come up either in Chennai, Tuticorn or some other city on the east coast. The CSMA wants the warehouses to be located close to apparel hubs like Bangalore and Tirupur," CMAI president Rahul Mehta told reporters on Tuesday.

He pointed out that all Indian apparel producers were opting for Chinese machinery owing to the price and quality.

"Everyday, Chinese apparel machinery is being imported to India. Unfortunately, the manufacturers take time to supply the machinery to India since they do not have manufacturing facilities in this country. Therefore, they want a presence in India from where they can supply and service the clients," he added.

Every Indian apparel producer had to rely on apparel machinery produced by foreign countries.

"There is not even a single Indian company which manufactures apparel machinery. Though Japan, Germany, South Korea and Taiwan also supply apparel machinery to India, the Chinese machinery is preferred by most the apparel manufacturers here," said Rajendra J Hinduja, executive director, Gokaldas Exports Ltd.

Mehta said CSMA would explore manufacturing alliances with CMAI in the coming years. "We will find out if any Indian company is interested in forming a joint venture with a Chinese sewing machinery manufacturer. It could further reduce the price of machinery," he said.

He said the CSMA was also keen on setting up a training institute in Bangalore. "The institute will train garment factory workers in various aspects like operating the machinery and handling equipment," he added.