The Hindu Business Line : Bannari Amman enters baby-care products, flocked fabrics

Displaying a range of smooth, lightweight, cosy fabric, the Executive Director, Dr K.S. Sundararaman, said: “These are proven technological innovations.”

The fabrics included a quick-dry rubber sheet replacement fabric, mattress protector, reusable diapers, stain resistant table cloths, flocked upholstery and blinds (curtain) and stain-free kitchen linen.

Stating that the company wanted to develop textile products with additional functionality, Dr Sundararaman said: “When we introduced the rubber sheet replacement fabric and reusable diapers under Softies tagline a year back, we were not sure how the market would respond. We thought the Indian consumer would consider it a strain on the purse. But we soon realised that when it came to babies, no one was willing to compromise on hygiene and product functionality. We were surprised to note that they was great demand for Softies and rubber sheet replacement fabric from places such as Nagercoil.”

Modern Plant

“We started experimenting by using two materials, bonding and getting various uses. Our drive towards such newer initiatives was partly driven by the consuming segment looking for innovative surface finishes including design.”

Claiming that the company’s flocking plant (at Ganeshapuram village near here) is the only facility of its kind in India, Bannari Group Chairman, Dr S.V. Balasubramaniam, said the machinery was imported from the UK.

“The unit can bond different types of fabrics together for advanced applications.”

Dr Sundararaman said the technology was the most advanced lamination technology.

“It is used in lingerie application, in military garments, for creating waterproof/incontinence bed products and breathable wears. There is a huge domestic market for such products,” he added.

Specialised line

The company has also established a specialised coating and flocking line, aimed primarily at manufacturing flock furnishing fabrics, black out fabrics for curtains and pattern flocking for the garment and fashion industry.

“We have rolled out stain-resistant table cloth under the Vante brand using the special coating process, and are in the process of launching black out fabric.

Black out fabrics, Dr Sundararaman explained, “has aesthetic purpose, gives UV protection”.

The product innovation in this line of business is huge but the market is enormous and growing, he added.

The investment is estimated at Rs 23 crore.

More Stories on : New Products & Services | New Projects | Textiles | Tamil Nadu

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Bannari Amman enters baby-care products, flocked fabrics