The Hindu Business Line : Irish linen maker wants to expand client base

“About 10 per cent of the company’s client base comes from India. Apart from a few other small players in the industry, Ulster Weavers supplies linen fabric to clients such as ITC and Raymond,” said a company official.

With retail slated to flourish and more stores set to come up, Ulster Weavers (which was one of the few international participants at the Fabrics & Accessories (F&A) Trade Show here that ended on Sunday) is optimistic about India. It has, however, set itself a conservative growth rate of 2 per cent in client base in the next one year.

The reasons, explains the official, are higher costs, the tendency among Indian companies to buy in small quantities and general lack of awareness about linen. But with linen blends coming in, prices have come down; the company wants to double its client base as soon as possible.

Expects $11-m sales

The company has two production units – one in Ireland and one in China. Ulster Weavers expects sales of $11 million in the first half of this financial year.

Many international companies seem to want to be part of all the action in India, either to source or supply fabric. Irish interest is definitely picking up with Ulster’s competitor and linen manufacturer Baird McNutt setting up a production facility in the Cochin Special Economic Zone.

Sri Lanka too is keen on India. Apparel exporter Brandix recently started commercial production at an SEZ in Visakhapatnam. Also, a delegation from Sri Lanka consisting of Ms Manel Pandittsekere Rodrigo, Assistant Secretary General, Joint Apparel Association Forum, Colombo and the chairmen, managing directors and CEOs of some leading readymade garment and lingerie manufacturers in Sri Lanka visited the F&A trade show.