The Hindu Business Line : Ambica Jute Mills firms up plans to roll out retail outlets

The jute trail
Expansion project implemented with an investment of Rs 42 crore.
The expanded facility will engage 1,500 workers and have the capacity to manufacture 10,500 tonnes per annum of high-value diversified jute goods.
The company's products exported to the UK, US, Europe, West Asia and New Zealand.

Kolkata , March 10

Ambica Jute Mills, part of the Rs 500-crore turnover Kankaria Group, has firmed up plans to roll out 80 retail outlets across the country within the next three years.

The proposed retail outlets will showcase value-added diversified jute products manufactured by the company, such as designer bags, garment-grade fabrics, yarn and twines, braided fancy yarns, tapes, jute laminates, decorative items, webbings and floor coverings.

Speaking to Business Line, Mr Awanti K. Kankaria, said the retail chain initiative follows the company's success with three retail outlets that have been set up under the brand name "Ballyfabs - The Jute Shop" in Kolkata, Delhi and Chennai.

While the existing retail outlets are company-owned, the national rollout plan would be based on the franchisee model.

Expansion project

To manufacture value-added diversified jute products on a larger scale, Ambica Jute Mills has just implemented an expansion project that entails an investment of Rs 42 crore.

The expansion project has been undertaken under the technology upgradation fund scheme.

The expanded facility will engage 1,500 workers and have the capacity to manufacture 10,500 tonnes per annum of high-value diversified jute goods.

With the commissioning of the new facility, the total manufacturing capacity of Ambica Jute Mills has gone up to 52,000 tonnes per annum.

Export turnover

According to Mr Kankaria, jute goods manufactured by the company are not only sold in the domestic market but also exported to the UK, US, Europe, West Asia and New Zealand.

Of the company's projected turnover of Rs 125 crore in the year ending March 31, 2006, Rs 32 crore would be accounted for by exports.

To strengthen presence

To consolidate and grow its share of the global market for diversified jute products, Ambica Jute Mills has regularly showcased its offerings in major international trade fairs.

"Besides focusing on branding, it has been our constant endeavour to showcase our offerings before our discerning domestic and global customers," Mr Kankaria said.

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