The ailing blanket industry in Panipat, which until a few years ago was staring at a downslide, has found a refuge under the new quilt business.
Most of the blanket manufacturers in Panipat, in the last couple of years, have now shifted to making quilt. The low-cost quilt that doubles up as a bed cover is consumed by the lower strata of the society. The quilt, which caters to the lower strata of society is sold at a price ranging from Rs 215-300.
Even as the upper fabric of quilt is imported from China, the rest, ie the middle portion (felt) and backing is made in Panipat by the manufacturers.
Deepak Sharma, founder of Access Consultancy Services, who has done a diagnostic study on the quilt industry in Panipat says the industry turnover in Panipat now stands at around Rs 760 crore.
The quilt makers in Panipat are also demanding for setting up of common facilitation centres (CFC) in Panipat, which could pave the way ahead for the industry in future.
Suresh Gumber, president, Panipat Kambal Manufacturing Association, admits many members of the association have now shifted into quilt making, finding the business more remunerative.
Govardhan Sharma, who earlier was making low-cost blankets and now has shifted to quilt making, says they are better off selling quilt than selling blanket which was turning into a unprofitable proposition.
Earlier, Panipat was famous for manufacturing cheap blankets in the country. However, owing to multitude problems the Rs 1000-crore blanket industry in line with its members, now, has been reduced to around Rs 200 crore. Import of blankets from China, followed by increase in input costs spelled misery for the blanket manufactures, who now are trying to find shelter under the quilt.
The quilt industry, according to the quilt manufacturers in Panipat is growing.
Ravinder Arora, who is into quilt manufacturing says, in the last two to three years, around 200-250 units have come which are making quilt. “Daily around 10-15 containers of quilt covers (upper fabric) are imported from China, that goes on to reflect the industry is bullish over growth prospects.
The quilt makers are now clamouring for having a CFC in Panipat, with support from Union government, as well as the state government.
According to his diagnostic study for cluster, Deepak Sharma says, if the CFC comes, it could help common branding solution to establish the brand Panipat Quilts.
Also, CFC could have Skill Development Center for the cluster, addressing labour problems for the cluster.
Ravinder Arora says the proposed CFC could also help quilt manufacturers identify and diversify into many related products of home furnishing.
