India: 'Garware develops application focussed solutions, and not just products'

Rendezvous

India: 'Garware develops application focussed solutions, and not just products'

How was Techtextil for Garware-Wall Ropes?

This has been a good show. We were able to meet our customers, and showcase our latest products to them.

How has Garware-Wall Ropes fared in the last few years?

We have a very strong presence in fishnets across the country, due to the quality of our product. We also export to over 65 countries. We have now diversified into sports nets, and are the largest exporter of this product from India.

How different is the manufacturing of fishnets and sports nets?

The major difference is in the fabrication of the nets. Garware's tennis nets are ranked the best in the world. Here, knottability, size of meshes is very important. Our nets are used in top sports events such as Wimbledon, Paris Open, etc.

A general refrain in the industry is that it is difficult to develop the techtex market in India. Your views?

This has not been a problem for Garware-Wall Ropes. Our strategy has always been to offer application focussed solutions. We invest heavily in developing new applications of a product. The company boasts of a strong R&D team.

Introducing a new application is a process, starting with initial trials, making them successful. We work closely with our customers, to understand the solutions they are looking for. For instance, for fishnets, our team spends many days with the fishermen, on small trawlers, to experience the applications, and then develop the product.

A close rapport is also established with the customers. This has been our strategy for developing our market. We believe every application has a business. We are also into industrial selling, offering a variety of solutions in ropes and nets to different industries, such as safety nets, nets for roofing, etc.

Which segment is growing fastest for Garware?

Agrinets segment is the fastest growing, coated fabrics too have a good market. Fishnets has experienced a slow growth. Performance in industrial sales depends on the overall industrial performance of the target industry.

What new can customers expect from you in the next two years?

We have a lot to offer in coated fabrics - awnings, single and double-sided coated fabric, tarpaulins, etc. We have also introduced tensile breathable shade fabric for parking lots, swimming pools, etc. In agriculture, there are numerous applications and we will keep developing more products here.