Tiruppur-based K.M. Knitwear Private Limited and Jeyavishnu Clothing Private Limited, both integral parts of the K.M. Group, stand as a testament to India’s robust textile industry. As a fully integrated textile conglomerate, their operations span the entire spectrum from fiber to fashion. The company is now gearing up to make a strong impact at Bharat Tex 2025, a premier trade show set to be held in New Delhi.
“Our entire team is eagerly looking forward to Bharat Tex. It is a matter of pride for us to participate in a trade show that showcases the growing strength of the Indian textile industry,” says K.M. Subramanian, Chairman of K.M. Knitwear and President of the Tiruppur Exporters’ Association (TEA), in an exclusive interview.
A promising year for the textile industry
Reflecting on the performance of the textile and apparel industry in 2024, Subramanian shares, “The year has been definitely good for the industry in India and particularly for Tiruppur. The Tiruppur cluster has bounced back after the Covid period. With the easing of geopolitical tensions globally, the buying power has increased. We are getting good orders.”
He further highlights the consistent growth in the knitwear sector, stating, “There has been an average growth of around 15% continuously over the last six months. Tiruppur’s strong infrastructure and its reputation as a green cluster have helped it perform better than others.”
India: A stable sourcing destination
Subramanian believes that India has emerged as a preferred sourcing hub on the global stage. “Over the last few years, geopolitical uncertainties have led many international buyers to seek alternative sourcing destinations. India has positioned itself as a stable and reliable alternative. Many leading American companies are now looking towards factories in Tiruppur for their supply needs. This bodes well for the future of the Tiruppur cluster,” he explains.
Tiruppur’s strengths, according to Subramanian, lie in its commitment to sustainable and ethical business practices. “We are an Environmentally, Socially, and Governed (ESG) cluster. Our manufacturing units are equipped with modern infrastructure, and this has propelled our growth. These factors give us the confidence to achieve our ambitious target of Rs. 1, 00,000 crore in exports by 2030,” he asserts.
K.M. Knitwear’s expansion plans
Expressing satisfaction with K.M. Knitwear’s performance in 2024, Subramanian states, “The year has been very good for us. Earlier, we were heavily dependent on the European market, but over the last three years, we have successfully made inroads into the American market. Today, our American business constitutes about 40% of our turnover. Our group’s turnover has also crossed the Rs. 1,200 crore mark. With all these positive indicators, we remain optimistic about continued success in the future.”
To bolster its growth, K.M. Knitwear has made significant investments in infrastructure. “As part of our expansion plans, we invested Rs. 400 crore two years ago in setting up a new spinning unit and expanding our dyeing facility. These initiatives have strengthened our production capabilities and will support our long-term growth aspirations,” he adds.
Driving industry growth through TEA
Under Subramanian’s dynamic leadership, TEA has taken multiple initiatives to further strengthen Tiruppur’s position as a leading knitwear hub. “We are fortunate to have the guidance of Dr. Sakthivel, the founder-president of TEA. The collective efforts of all TEA members have enabled Tiruppur to become an ESG-compliant cluster. Initiatives such as 100% Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD and the generation of around 2000 MW of green energy have helped us carve a niche for ourselves,” he explains.
Discussing future trends, Subramanian believes that the Man-Made Fiber (MMF) sector is poised for growth in Tiruppur. “Yes, many companies are already investing in the necessary infrastructure for MMF production. At K.M. Knitwear and Jeyavishnu Clothing, we have made strategic investments in polyester fabric manufacturing and dyeing facilities. Our goal is to transition at least 15% of our production from cotton to MMF in the coming years,” he elaborates.
Preparing for the future
Speaking about TEA’s upcoming initiatives, Subramanian highlights the importance of adapting to global industry standards. “By 2027, international norms regarding traceability will come into effect. The concept of a digital passport for garments will become crucial. With just a scan of a label, consumers will be able to access details such as the garment’s manufacturing date, location, and production processes. We have already partnered with international agencies to prepare for these changes, and we will keep the industry updated on these developments,” he says.
All set for Bharat Tex 2025
The entire team at K.M. Knitwear is eagerly anticipating Bharat Tex 2025. “We will be showcasing our entire product range at this year’s edition. The previous edition saw impressive footfalls, and we expect an even greater turnout this year. We have secured a larger booth, (HALL NO 4F, STALL NO T6) and our team is looking forward to engaging with visitors from around the world,” Subramanian concludes with enthusiasm.
