Sarees and lehengas have been a part of the Indian culture since ages. Any occasion, whether it is a wedding or a festival; is marked by women in beautiful lehengas, sarees, or salwar suits. Sarees have been an indispensable part of the Indian culture. There are over 100 ways in which a saree can be draped but the way a saree is worn today is very different from what was worn traditionally. Traditional sarees didn’t require a blouse to be worn. The British Raj thought it to be inappropriate for women to wear such a garment, therefore, made it mandatory for a blouse to be worn. This is followed till date and additionally, designer blouse has appeared in the market. Lehengas and salwar suits are recently developed garments which are available in different and colourful patterns. While there are many companies that cater to the needs of women’s wear, Surat-based B.K. Silk Mills Pvt. Ltd. has carved a niche for itself in this field. Mr. Alpesh Dhami the co-founder of the company narrates the story of the company.
The company established in 2005 had humble beginnings, according to Mr. Alpesh Dhami, one of its co-founders along with Mr. Hitesh Gajera. It started as a shop in Abhishek Market, presently in famous Millenium Textile Market. Gradually after a lot of hard work and their entrepreneurial skills, the two friends were successful in establishing a manufacturing unit in Surat. At present, the company has around a thousand employees, one hundred and fifty embroidery machines and two hundred stitching machines. The company manufactures sarees, lehengas, and salwar suits.
After its start in Surat, the company has expanded pan-India and has established its brands ‘Thavki’ and ‘B.K. Silk Mills Pvt. Ltd.’ in around 10-12 States, including Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Orissa, among others. The business was initially of textile manufacturing and trading embroidery sarees but now it has been a long time since the company has started its own brand, Thavki. The purpose of the manufacturing unit is that the company wanted a unit where the entire processes take place under one roof for better quality products. This was the reason why the unit was established in Surat and later expanded.
The company is knowing looking to expand itself into the weaving segment and manufacture silk sarees. The company has already started working on this project. They have purchased high-speed rapier machine ITEMA R 9500. This machine was chosen after thorough market research. The project will be on floor in the next three months.
The company has made its name in the domestic market in short span of time. Mr. Alpesh Dhami describing the success story, said: “Our success is due to three Qs. – Quality, Quantity and Commitment”.
Mr. Alpesh Dhami added: “By 2024 we will become pioneers of women’s wear in Surat textile market”. He is sure of achieving this by providing timely delivery, quality in house production. The company also has its own R&D wing which helps in improving the technology used. The company’s USP is its commitment towards the timely supply of the goods and always catering to the requirements specified by the buyers.