Textile machines and components in most parts of the world are sold through regional partners who provide the perfect connect between the machinery manufacturers and the textile mills who are the end users. Textile agents, as they are commonly addressed, play a very critical role in representing global machinery manufacturers in the respective geographies, introducing technology, sharing knowledge of global trends and providing the much-needed aftersales service and support. They undoubtedly play a very key role in the success or failure of a product.
Batliboi is one among the major players in the Indian engineering industry. The group, founded in 1892, has its presence across industry verticals, including machine tools, air engineering, textile machinery, environmental engineering, wind energy, motors, international marketing and logistics. Batliboi’s manufacturing facilities are located at Surat in India and Peterborough in Canada.
We discussed in detail with Mr. Abhay Sidham, CEO of Batliboi Textile Machinery Group, on the company’s journey so far and its future plans for the segment.
Looking back on the history of the group’s entry into the textile segment, Mr. Abhay Sidham said: “Batliboi’s foray into the textile machinery business began more than fifty years ago when we started dealing in Barber Colman automatic winding machines. During those days, BC spoolers, as they were popularly known, were considered to be an engineering marvel. Very few engineers would dare to service such complex assembly. Subsequently, as the business grew, we ventured into marketing of semi-automatic open-end spinning machines during the late seventies, another new technology in that era. The OE technology helped to consolidate Batliboi as a trusted and reliable player in the textile machinery field”.
With a rich heritage of over 127 years, Batliboi has assisted in the modernization of the Indian textile industry by identifying some of the most technically advanced machine manufacturers and offering technology that is relevant to the Indian market.
Steady growth
“Batliboi has had its steady growth over the years. The real growth of the business started in the early 1980s when we entered the circular knitting market with Mayer & Cie., Germany. Since then there is no looking back. Today when anyone talks about knitting project, first name he thinks of is Batliboi”, he added.
Highlighting one of the important success stories, Mr. Abhay Sidham said: Mayer & Cie. is known as a prominent manufacturer of circular knitting machines. The company is undisputed market leader the world over for circular knitting technology. Operating in India for well over three decades, and since 1984 the company has been working with Batliboi Ltd. The two enjoy a three-decade-old relationship. With over 8,000 Mayer & Cie. machines operating across the country, India becomes one of the most important global markets for the company”.
Over the years Batliboi has expanded its operations in processing by representing leading technology giants who are pioneers in their respective field of technology. Batliboi has always strived to bring the latest and relevant technology to the Indian customers.
Today Batliboi is present in almost every field in textile manufacturing such as spinning, knitting, knit processing, printing, non-woven machinery water treatment technology, heat recovery system, fibre recovery, and ERP solution. Manufacturers represented by Batliboi are all leaders in their own right.
In general, the textile machinery industry has also had its share of problems with many principal-agent relationships failing and the worst affected are the mills which have invested in expensive machines without proper service support. This is where working with well-established companies like Batliboi will make a big difference. Batliboi enjoys the reputation of working on long-term partnership with most of its principals. “As a policy we do not enter into partnership with any manufacturer unless we are confident of providing world-class service for our customers. We do not believe in taking any agency unless we are 100% sure of meeting customers’ needs in terms of service”, said Mr. Abhay Sidham.
Although Batliboi has its presence across the manufacturing value chain, there are gaps in its portfolio which the company would like to fill, particularly in the weaving segment. The company is looking for strategic partnerships in this segment to offer complete solution to its customers. “Considering India’s traditional strength in spinning, we expect sustained investment in weaving, knitting, knit processing, digital printing and, of course, automation. Sustainable eco-friendly technologies will be the most sought-after avenue for maintaining growth. I personally believe that recycling of textiles & raw materials like PET bottles will have a lot of potential for both cost effectiveness and ecological reasons. The man-made fibre will drive further growth of the Indian textile industry”, said Mr. Abhay Sidham.
After-sales service
Service is undoubtedly the key factor that determines the success of a product. Mr. Abhay Sidham observed: “Service has been the biggest strength of Batliboi. As a policy, strengthening and upgrading service has always been given top priority. We have fully equipped service infrastructure and electronic test bench in Tirupur and Mumbai, and very soon another such service center will be set up in Ludhiana. We believe in providing world-class service and training, 80% of which is done at the customer site. We have technicians and operators coming for training from Bangladesh and other parts of the world. Our engineers travel to neighbouring countries, viz., Iran, Vietnam, Indonesia, etc., for providing service, whenever need arises. Even our principals recommend their customers in other countries to avail service from Batliboi”.
Another important aspect is the constant daily connects between agents and customers. This provides valuable first-hand information on the performance of machines on the shop floor, which is very critical input for machinery manufacturer. “By remaining in constant touch with customers at all levels, we keep ourselves fully abreast of the needs and future challenges of our customers. Based on regular feedbacks, our principals upgrade technology to meet the specific needs of our customers”, he added.
Future outlook
Textile manufacturing is entering an important phase with its greater focus on energy and process efficiency, automation, environment protection and a more sustainable manufacturing technology. “Sustainability will be the key for textile manufacturing in the coming years. All developmental activities will primarily focus on saving the environment and reducing energy consumption. Batliboi has already contributed significantly in this direction by bringing in technology which will meet these requirements. This is the only way the Indian textile industry can retain its pioneering role at the global level,” he explained.
“With more than 400 million population below the age of 35, India is poised to become an economic superpower. The textile industry is identified as a core strength area and with substantial assistance being provided by the Central and State Governments to boost its growth, I am confident of massive opportunities for the industry. With the prevailing uncertainties over investments in China, India is certain to regain its pole position in the world of textiles. Consequently, machines with modern technology and eco-friendly features will have excellent potential. With our infrastructure and service support, we are confident of assisting the Indian textile industry in exploiting these massive opportunities, Mr. Abhay Sidham ended on a confident note.