by Arun Rao
The Surat textile industry is witnessing a robust revival, driven by dynamic companies like Cosmos International. Established in 2010, Cosmos International has swiftly become a pivotal player in the Textile machinery market, representing both Indian and Chinese brands. In an exclusive interview, Mr. Madhav Bhatia, Director of Cosmos International, being an experienced textile technocrat shares insights on the industry’s resurgence and the company’s growth trajectory.
Surging Demand for Weaving Machines
In the pre-Covid era, Cosmos International managed to sell around 500 weaving machines annually. However, within just the first six months of 2024, the company has already achieved this figure, signaling a remarkable recovery for the Surat textile industry. “The first half of 2024 has been significantly better compared to 2023. The current market situation surpasses pre-Covid levels,” remarked Mr. Bhatia.
The Impact of the China+1 Policy
Post-Covid-19, global brands have increasingly turned to the Surat market due to the China+1 policy. Despite this, Mr. Bhatia notes a challenge: “Many foreign / domestic buyers struggle to find fabric suppliers capable of fulfilling large volume orders.” He predicts a bright future for direct exports from Surat, with local textile companies potentially evolving into corporate giants like Arvind Ltd or Vardhman Group.
Expansion and Technological Advancements
Cosmos International, an agent for both Indian and Chinese textile machinery brands, represents Jyoti Hydro, a supplier of ETP and Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems, and Dalal Engineering, a renowned manufacturer of yarn dyeing machines. Additionally, Cosmos is the sole selling India agent for Haifu Machineries, the world’s largest manufacturer of Waterjet looms.
“Over 100,000 Haifu looms are operational in China & more than 10,000 machines sold in India,” stated Mr. Bhatia. The robust and technologically advanced Haifu machines, with their superior metallurgy and world-class painting workshops, ensure a long working life, often maintaining 92-93 percent efficiency even after working for more than a decade.
Dominance in the Market
Cosmos International has built a solid customer base in Surat and across Gujarat. The company holds nearly 90 percent market share in Jyoti Hydro’s ETP and RO systems in Surat, especially in bigger units with over 100 Waterjet weaving machines. Mr. Bhatia emphasized the enduring appeal of Dalal Engineering’s yarn dyeing machines, noting that many good factories even prefer 30-year-old Dalal second-hand machines to brand new machines due to their superior engineering & best metallurgy.
Future Prospects and Government Support
Looking ahead, Mr. Bhatia envisions further growth in the weaving industry, advocating for government policies that encourage investment. “There is immense potential for growth in weaving fabrics, adding value beyond exporting just cotton or polyester yarn,” he concluded.
Cosmos International’s remarkable growth and the overall resurgence of the Surat textile industry underscore a promising future. With strategic expansion, technological advancements, and potential government support, the industry is poised to achieve new heights, reinforcing Surat’s position as a global textile hub.
