By Arun Rao
From a humble beginning with a cotton ginning unit to becoming a leader in the textile industry with four spinning mills and 130,000 spindles, Dr. Bharat Boghara’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. As the founder of MM Yarns Group and Chairman of the Gujarat Spinners Association, Dr. Boghara has spearheaded significant growth and innovation in the textile sector. MM Yarns Group is one of the largest manufacturers of cotton yarn with fully integrated ginning facilities in India. This detailed account delves into the evolution of MM Yarns Group, highlighting Dr. Boghara’s vision, challenges, and triumphs.
The Genesis of MM Yarns Group
Dr. Bharat Boghara’s professional journey began in an entirely different field—Ayurveda. After graduating in 2002, he set up his practice in a small village in Jasdan taluka of Saurashtra, Gujarat. However, his frequent visits to his maternal uncle’s cotton ginning unit sparked an interest that would eventually steer his career in a new direction. Saurashtra is renowned for its Shankar-6 variety of cotton, which is among the finest in the world. These visits and the quality of cotton in the region inspired Dr. Boghara to venture into the textile industry.
In 2009, Dr. Boghara established his own cotton ginning unit, leveraging the high-quality Shankar-6 cotton available locally. The initial production capacity was impressive, with the unit capable of producing 400 cotton bales of 170 kg each per day. This venture marked the beginning of MM Yarns Group.
Early Success and Growth
Encouraged by the success of his ginning unit, Dr. Boghara decided to diversify. In 2012, the Gujarat government announced its first Textile Policy, which provided a conducive environment for the expansion of textile manufacturing. Seizing this opportunity, Dr. Boghara launched Dhruv Cotton Processing Pvt Ltd with 25,536 spindles and a production capacity of 19 tons per day. This move marked MM Yarns Group’s foray into spinning.
The success of Dhruv Cotton Processing motivated Dr. Boghara to expand further. In 2015, he established a larger spinning mill under the name MM Yarns Pvt Ltd. This new facility boasted 51,072 ring spindles and a production capacity of 34 tons per day. However, the rapid growth brought about new challenges, particularly a shortage of ginned cotton.
To address this issue, two additional ginning plants were set up in 2016 within the factory premises of MM Yarns. These units had a combined ginning production capacity of 650-700 bales per day, ensuring a steady supply of raw material for the spinning operations.
Strategic Acquisitions
In 2020, MM Yarns Group acquired Tribhuvan Spintex, adding 33,328 spindles to its capacity, including 14,592 compact yarn spindles. This acquisition increased the group’s production capacity by 20 tons per day. The same year saw the addition of two more ginning plants with significant production capacities. By 2021, MM Yarns Group had expanded to 113,000 spindles.
The group’s expansion continued in 2023 with the acquisition of Raghav Spintex, which brought in an additional 20,064 spindles and a production capacity of 15 tons per day. This acquisition took the total spindle count to 130,000 solidifying MM Yarns Group’s position as a major player in the textile industry.
Product Excellence and Innovation
MM Yarns Group has always prioritized quality and innovation. The company manufactures both combed and carded cotton yarn ranging from 20 to 40 counts, catering to end applications in knitting and weaving. Additionally, the group produces compact yarns, which are highly sought after for their superior quality.
The company has also ventured into blending Lycra with cotton and producing slub yarns. For slub yarns, MM Yarns Group sourced technology from Skaat Machine Works India Pvt. Ltd., ensuring they remain at the forefront of textile innovation.
Dr. Boghara’s commitment to quality is evident in the company’s practices. From the outset, MM Yarns Group has honored all contractual commitments, selling yarn at the agreed price even if cotton prices fluctuate. By purchasing the best quality cotton seed directly from farmers and processing it in their ginning facilities, the group maintains strict control over raw material quality. This approach ensures consistency and reliability in their yarn products.
Sustainability and Renewable Energy
Sustainability is a core value for MM Yarns Group. The company holds several certifications, including GOTS Organic, BCI, GRS, and Oeko-Tex, reflecting its commitment to sustainable practices. In 2022, MM Yarns Group made significant investments in renewable energy, installing three windmill farms with a total capacity of 7.8 megawatts. They also set up a solar plant with a capacity of 16 megawatts and are in the process of establishing another 20-megawatt solar power plant.
These investments in renewable energy allow the group to generate 5.50 crore units of electricity per year, meeting 50% of their annual consumption needs. This not only reduces their carbon footprint but also positions MM Yarns Group as a leader in sustainable textile manufacturing.
MM Yarns Group has a strong presence in both domestic and international markets. The group’s sales are evenly split between domestic and export markets, with a 50:50 ratio. They export to numerous countries worldwide, showcasing their global reach and the high demand for their quality yarn products.
Future Plans and Vision
Looking ahead, Dr. Boghara has ambitious plans for MM Yarns Group. He is keen on forward integrating into knitting and weaving, contingent on the announcement of a new Textile Policy by the Gujarat government. Dr. Boghara played a crucial role in the formulation of the 2012 Textile Policy and continues to advocate for policies that support the growth of the textile industry in Gujarat.
He envisions a comprehensive value chain within the state, from farming to fashion, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision. By adding value to raw materials locally, MM Yarns Group aims to produce finished textile products, thereby enhancing profitability and creating more jobs within the region.
Advocacy and Industry Impact
Dr. Boghara’s influence extends beyond his company. As Chairman of the Gujarat Spinners Association, he has been a vocal advocate for the textile industry. He continues to urge the Union Textiles Ministry and the Gujarat government to announce favorable policies that will foster the growth of new units in weaving, knitting, fabric processing, and garmenting. These policies, he believes, will help implement the 5F vision—’Farm to Fashion’—envisioned by Prime Minister Modi.
Since the implementation of the Textile Policy in 2012, nearly 40 lakh spindles have been added in Gujarat, most of which are concentrated in the cotton-growing belt of Saurashtra. Dr. Boghara believes that the textile sector will be a significant contributor to India’s goal of becoming a $5 trillion economy. He emphasizes the need for value addition within the country, transitioning from exporting yarns to exporting finished apparel, thus maximizing economic benefits.
Dr. Bharat Boghara’s journey from an Ayurvedic practitioner to a textile industry leader is a testament to his vision, perseverance, and innovative spirit. Under his leadership, MM Yarns Group has grown exponentially, continually adapting to market demands and technological advancements. With a strong commitment to quality, sustainability, and industry advocacy, Dr. Boghara and MM Yarns Group are poised to play a pivotal role in the future of India’s textile industry. As they look forward to new opportunities and challenges, their story stands as an inspiring example of what can be achieved through dedication and strategic growth.
