Garknit- X debuts in Kolkata

Kolkata, April 28 : Garknit-X, the largest international exhibition on Apparel, Knitting and Leather Technology, Fabrics and Accessories, starts from April 30 and will continue till May 2 at Milan Mela Complex here.

More than 40 companies and 150 international and national brands will participate here.

The exhibition showcases the latest machinery for manufacturing garments made of cotton and synthetic polyester. Leather Companies from various parts of the world including Italy, China, Japan, Germany, USA, Korea and Taiwan, along with some big national players will display their latest technology.

Garknit-X Kolkata is being in forefront to bring latest technology at the door steps of the manufacturers from Eastern India.

As usual there would be many first time launches at the show.

The organizers said, Kolkata has shown resilience even during the recession and is expected to excel after the recession. Kolkata also has seen huge investment in recent times and many such investments are coming up in the Knitting sector.

"As they say 'someone's loss is someone's gain'. Tirupur has been under tremendous problem due to pollution hence many of such investments have moved from Tirupur to Kolkata as situation here is still under control," said an exhibition spokesperson.

"Another advantage with Kolkata is availability of cheap labour encouraging companies to source their goods from Eastern India. The response for last year show also has been encouraging as more than 1000 sets of embroidery machines has been imported since then, the same has been the case for Sewing and finishing industry. P3 Expo has also opened new chapters for printing sectors, as more new technologies are coming to this market," the spokesperson said.

This year shows highlight will be the first time display of Circular and flat knitting machines, sophisticated sewing and finishing range and a high speed digital printing machines. The most important aspect of the show is the huge variety of technology and accessories under one roof.

Garknit-X Kolkata has also been supported by the Community of International Sewing machinery Industry, the apex body of all the agents and dealers of imported machines in India. They are also launching the Eastern India Chapter in the show.

With a promise to boost the garment business in Kolkata, the organizers look forward to the further improvement in the city's phenomenal contribution to the domestic market for kids wear and same in other sectors such as silk export, which is also growing steadily.

The garments market in Kolkata is in the range of Rs 1000 crore, the lion's share being the kids wear market, pegged at nearly Rs 500 crore, the highest in India. Out of four percent silk exports from India, Kolkata accounts for over one and half percent.

"The places like Metiabruz, Bhankara and Maheshtalla are the places, where majority of modernization is due and this sector is opening up to new technology, as they have realized the benefit in production as also in the quality. If, we are able to openup the market in these areas by even 10pc then there will be requirement of 10,000 machines in next few months," said B.P. Mishra CEO, Xhibition and Konferences India on being asked about his expansion plans.

He further said, "The city has around 3500 family units in Metiabruz and another 2000 in Bankura manufacturing garments. The government is also extending full support to uplift these scattered business establishments. There is the need to upgrade the technology by these manufacturers and Garknit-X will provide them all these technology under one roof."

All the leading sewing brands from the international arena will be present at the fair, for example Kansai Special, Yamato, Usha, Brother, Revo, Highlead etc.