Interview with A. B. Telasang

The Technical Textiles industry is expected to see a growth of 11% per annum till 2012-13 and if Government interventions take place in the form of, e.g., a regulatory push, the growth of the Technical Textiles industry can be estimated at 12-15% per annum till 2020. The Ministry of Textiles' efforts of spreading the Technical Textile waves throughout India by organizing Road Shows, setting up a Center of Excellence, carrying on a continuous dialogue between Government and industry has really worked well. Some of the companies are interested in investing in Technical Textile products such as Agro-textiles, Geotextiles, Automotives, and Composites. Some of the companies already in Technical Textiles, are planning to expand their business or go for forward integration into more value added products.

The missing link is the product and technology know-how for specific market applications. One can see the product and its applications in the market but often the potential investor either does not know how to manufacture it because of unavailability of technology know-how or sometimes it is difficult for him to market the product. In some product segments, as I said earlier, the regulations for application of Tech Tex products are missing. Gherzi has an 82-years history of being first to provide turnkey textile consultant services. Over the last 50 years its Indian arm ‘Gherzi Eastern Limited’ has been supporting major Indian players in textiles in building up their plants. With support from another European arm, Gherzi van Delden GmbH in Germany, headed by Mr. Hendrik H. van Delden (having more than 21 years of experience in International Technical Textile consultancy business), Gherzi Eastern Limited is working with some of the major players in India on Technical Textile projects. In Technical Textiles, there are more than 100 product applications and different technologies to manufacture those products. So, for a new entrant it is very difficult to identify the right product, technology and market. Gherzi supports potential entrepreneurs in identifying the right product segment and also hold hands with them in accessing western partners for technology know-how tie-up support, joint ventures and in Merger & Acquisition deals. Providing Engineering support service to set up green field projects is Gherzi Eastern Limited’s main forte. Gherzi has been also empanelled with the Ministry of Textiles as consultant for business start-ups under Mini Mission-II of the Technology Mission on Technical Textiles (TMTT).

Though the Indian market size is limited for Nonwovens and high-end composites, these two sectors will grow significantly in the coming years in India. The Protech segment will also contribute to the Indian Tech Tex market.

Yes, you are right. Merger & Acquisitions and Joint Ventures is the current trend worldwide and this trend has already started in India, too. In some of the cases, the technology know-how which is available in developed countries (mainly western countries) will definitely support Indian companies in their initial production ramp up, easing entry barriers to obtain certifications etc. and applications usage in Technical Textiles as well. Though operating costs in western countries are significantly higher than in India, there are still companies in Europe who are into weaving activities mainly because of the requirement of product quality and availability of next finishing process there. For some products, European companies are willing to join hands with Asian companies for buy back arrangements and /or for the Indian market as well. In the last 2 years, well known Indian companies have tied up with European companies in Technical Textiles. This clearly shows that there is a market for Technical Textiles.

1. Restoration of the TUF scheme in 2012 and having it included in the 12th Five Year Plan as well. 2. Government should enforce the usage of technical textiles wherever necessary. 3. Minimization of customs duty and excise duty on all Technical Textile machinery, components and spares, raw materials (specialty fibres) as well.