Tiruppur-based Esstee Exports India Pvt Ltd has firmly established itself as a leader in the ready-to-market fashion merchandise sector, renowned for its quality and innovative designs. The company has successfully penetrated key global markets by incorporating advanced techniques such as washes, embellishments, and embroidery, earning collaborations with several top-tier brands. With a commitment to excellence and a forward-looking approach, Esstee Exports continues to make significant strides in the global fashion landscape.
The company is now poised to showcase its exceptional range of high-fashion products at the upcoming Bharat Tex 2025 trade show in New Delhi. “We are excitedly looking forward to participating in the event. Bharat Tex offers an excellent platform for all the textile industry stakeholders to come together under one roof,” said Thirukkumaran, Chairman of Esstee Exports India Pvt Ltd, in an exclusive interview.
As the General Secretary of the Tiruppur Exporters’ Association (TEA), Thirukkumaran also expressed satisfaction with the robust performance of the textile and apparel industry in 2024. “Starting from April 2024, the textile industry grew steadily across India, including Tiruppur. From October to December, the apparel industry experienced growth of approximately 13% in India and 15 % in Tiruppur. Western markets, like the US and Europe, reacted positively, supporting this upward trend. The overall sentiment for the year has been very favorable, and the growth trajectory is expected to continue in the coming years,” he noted.
Focusing on Tiruppur, Thirukkumaran highlighted the region’s exceptional performance. “The cluster saw positive growth, starting in April and gaining rapid momentum by August and September. Growth rates reached double digits, signaling a strong performance. This momentum is expected to carry forward into the next year,” he said.
Growth Factors Driving Success
Elaborating on the factors behind this growth, Thirukkumaran pointed out the evolving global sourcing strategies saying, “The China Plus One strategy benefits the garment industry broadly, but its direct impact on Tiruppur is limited. Many buyers have already moved away from sourcing T-shirts from China. Similarly, Tiruppur’s growth has not been driven by the crisis in Bangladesh. Whatever is happening there is unfortunate, and we wish a speedy return to normalcy. However, the crisis in Bangladesh has prompted global buyers to diversify sourcing, leading to a potential shift toward India and Tiruppur. Buyers increasingly view India as a stable and sustainable supply chain hub.”
Looking ahead, Thirukkumaran remains optimistic about sustained growth. “With signs of global geopolitical tensions easing, such as the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict, the global economy is expected to move positively. India anticipates double-digit growth in ready-made garments, with Tiruppur likely surpassing its growth targets,” he said.
Pioneering Modernization and Automation
Esstee Exports has consistently demonstrated its commitment to innovation and efficiency. “FY 2024-25 has been exceptional for us, with growth projected at 20%-25%. Key milestones include the automation of production processes. Similarly, we have invested in state-of-the-art cutting technology and the implementation of IoT solutions. By the end of 2025, we expect our complete production floor to be automated. A state-of-the-art software solution was also signed, integrating operations for greater efficiency and readiness for future growth,” shared Thirukkumaran.
The company’s modernization plans emphasize enhancing efficiency over merely expanding capacity. “The focus is on increasing efficiency rather than just expanding capacity. Modernization efforts include automating production processes, adopting IoT technology, and investing in advanced machinery for higher productivity. These efforts aim to position Esstee Exports for sustainable growth and future-readiness,” he explained.
Recognizing the industry-wide need for efficiency improvements, Thirukkumaran added, “At TEA, our primary goal is to automate the industry to improve efficiency and align with global benchmarks. By enhancing efficiency and leveraging automation, we can achieve 10-15% growth without expanding capacity. Automation is an investment that not only increases productivity but also reduces costs.”
Sustainability at the Core
Sustainability is a hallmark of the Tiruppur cluster, and Esstee Exports is no exception. Thirukkumaran emphasized the region’s commitment to environmentally responsible practices. “Sustainability is integral to the Tirupur cluster, making it the only ESG cluster globally. Additionally, around 80 member companies of TEA, including Esstee Exports, collaborate with Reverse Resources, an Estonian agency, to recycle textile waste, bringing it back into the supply chain—a practice unique to Tirupur.”
Esstee Exports has implemented several sustainability initiatives. “Eighty percent of our energy consumption is derived from renewable sources, primarily solar and wind. We aim to transition fully to renewable energy in the coming years. Additionally, we employ advanced CAD and 3D modeling technologies to ensure precision in garment design, minimizing fabric waste. We are certified by GOTS, OCS, GRS, OEKO-TEX, BCI, and Fair Trade, and we are members of the Textile Exchange,” Thirukkumaran remarked.
Bright Prospects
With its robust foundation and innovative practices, the Tiruppur cluster is well-positioned for continued success. “As mentioned earlier, Tiruppur stands out as a self-made ESG cluster. Buyers increasingly prefer sustainable sourcing, and Tiruppur is already compliant with ESG norms. The cluster’s proactive investments in sustainability and its reputation for reliability are key strengths that align with global growth opportunities. With global buyers seeking stable and sustainable supply chains, Tirupur is poised for double-digit growth in the coming years,” said Thirukkumaran.
He also expressed confidence in Esstee Exports’ growth prospects stating, “We are all geared up for future growth. Investments in automation, IoT, and cutting-edge technology position us for future expansion. We are also focusing on capacity building while ensuring sustainability remains at the core of our operations.”
Excitement for Bharat Tex 2025
The Esstee Exports team is eagerly anticipating Bharat Tex 2025. “The second edition of the event will be even bigger than the last one. As you know, we focus on high-fashion products. We have designers and a marketing team based in Europe. We cater to a niche clientele and will display multiple value-added garments at our stall, “he said.
Thirukkumaran concluded with a warm invitation: “Our team is looking forward to welcoming and interacting with a wide array of visitors from around the world. You can find us at Hall No: 4F Stall No: T8.”