Textile research firm sees Asia as largest market

Thomson Research Assoicates, a Canadian firm focussing on anti microbial treatments for textiles and Polymers says the emerging textile hubs China and India will gradually metamorphose into its largest market replacing North America over a three to six year period. Currently USA and Canada account for 50 per cent of the company's revenues estimated at under $ 50 million.

While Asia contributes 20 per cent of the revenues now -- With India and China accounting for 50 per cent of it-- the company's is hedging its bets on this market by signing up technical, and logistic alliances with firms in China, India and Pakistan.

It is already trying to widening the scope of its alliances with textile finishing and reserach firms in thse countries.

For instance, it is already testing out a product developed and delivered by its Indian partner Resil Chemicals. Senior Thomson Research officials said that the results of the tests will determine the fate of more marketing oriented R&D projects.

He said " while we do not have any hard core research projects in Asia, we are definitely open to tapping the talent pool available with our partners."

Currently Resil and other partners in China and Pakistan render tech and logistic support to market Thomson's anti-microbial product Ultra Fresh.

He added that in India, the marketing tie-up is begining to pay off. The company, which till recently had just a handful of textile and clothing makers is working with about 100 firms.

"The intereting revelation here is that 80 of these firms service the domestic market," he adds. " Clearly pointing to the fact that the Indian middle class is demanding products on par with the rest of the world. Be it technology oriented goods or odour free garments."

He said that the market in these region is evolving from just textiles. The growth of automobile and plasic industry offers opportunities for firms like Thomson. Anti-microbial applications in water tanks, car air-condition vents are gradually being accepted now.

While the usage of anti-microbial product will not be as large as 2 to 3 per cent as in apparels, products for such applications will be far costlier than that for apparels, he said.

Another advantage that Thomson enjoys is, it works with several auto majors across the world and thus making the entry into their Asian operations that much easier.