Batliboi, a 133 year-old conglomerate with a diverse presence across industries, has always been synonymous with legacy and innovation. At the helm of its next-generation leadership is Mr. Kabir Bhogilal, Executive Director, who brings a fresh perspective and strategic direction to one of the group’s largest divisions: textile machinery. In an insightful conversation, Mr. Bhogilal shared his journey, aspirations, and plans to transform Batliboi into a future-ready enterprise.
A Global Foundation for Strategic Growth
Having spent much of his formative years in England, Mr. Bhogilal’s academic and professional background in business administration laid a solid foundation for his entrepreneurial endeavors. Reflecting on his early experiences, he noted, “I spent five years in the factory, learning about machine tools, air conditioning, textiles, and air engineering. That time helped me identify the areas that required strategic intervention for growth.”
Mr. Bhogilal’s initial focus was on revitalizing various divisions within Batliboi and introducing new technologies. A pivotal moment came when he was part of the team responsible for Batliboi’s textile-related acquisitions, including AESA. These strategic moves marked his entry into the textile machinery business, which remains a cornerstone of the group’s operations.
Textile Machinery: A Growing Focus
Under Mr. Bhogilal’s guidance, the textile machinery division has emerged as Batliboi’s largest business unit. He emphasized the importance of fostering relationships with European principals like Mayer and Cie, whose ownership-driven approach has shaped the company’s operational strategies. Recognizing the increasing competition from China, he highlighted the challenges of localizing manufacturing in India.
“While making in India is an ideal goal, the absence of a robust supplier ecosystem poses challenges,” he explained. However, he remains optimistic about fostering collaborations, adding, “We have proposed joint efforts with our principals to manufacture in India, focusing on cost advantages and boosting the local value chain.”
India’s Role in the Global Textile Machinery Ecosystem
Acknowledging India’s position on the global stage, Mr. Bhogilal pointed out the growing recognition of the country as a manufacturing hub. He noted, “India’s textile ecosystem, especially in spinning, is strong, but we need similar capabilities across the value chain. Partnerships and investments in technology will be critical to achieving this.”
The Technical Textile business is set out to expand under Profit Linked Incentive declared by the government. We can leverage our expertise by tapping in new Principals as well as existing Principals’ experience and knowledge for our business growth in this segment.
Mr. Bhogilal also stressed the importance of export facilitation to tap into global opportunities, particularly as other countries consolidate their dominance in the textile machinery space. “If we don’t act now, we risk missing a significant opportunity,” he observed.
Balancing Legacy with Modern Vision
Leading a legacy business comes with its share of challenges, but for Mr. Bhogilal, it is also an opportunity to leverage the brand’s history to build a brighter future. He concluded, “Today, we have more opportunities than ever before. Whether it’s technology, collaboration, or ease of doing business, the world recognizes India’s potential. At Batliboi, we are poised to harness this momentum for growth.”
Mr. Kabir Bhogilal’s leadership embodies a seamless integration of respect for legacy with a progressive vision. Under his guidance, Batliboi continues to innovate across its core business segments – machine tools, textile machinery and engineering, environment solutions and renewable energy – positioning itself as a pivotal force in India’s industrial landscape. With a robust foundation and a well-defined roadmap, the group is poised to shape its future while contributing significantly to India’s growth story.
