Brandix India Apparel City (BIAC) functions as a self-sustaining ecosystem where leading apparel supply chain partners come together to collaborate and innovate solutions for branded clothing. Spanning across 1000 acres, it stands as one of India’s largest integrated industrial parks. Strategically located in Visakhapatnam, it serves as a convenient industrial hub, offering a seamless production environment for global partners.
The park prioritizes environmental care and contributes significantly to a sustainable future for its people and surrounding communities. Sustainability is woven into its day-to-day operations, with a focus on three main pillars: air, water, and earth.
In an interaction with The Interview World, Suchira Surendranath, Director of Strategy and Investment at Brandix India Apparel City (Pvt) Ltd, emphasizes how this integrated park strengthens the textile and apparel industry through its sustainability initiatives. He discusses plans for replicating this model in other locations, current revenue, and long-term expectations, while also highlighting the pivotal role of technology and the renowned apparel brands benefiting from the park’s services.
Q: What initiatives has Brandix India Apparel City undertaken to strengthen the textile industry in the country, and what specific services does it offer to businesses within its park?
A: In 2006, we arrived in India to establish a greenfield textile and apparel park. Over the years, we’ve steadily expanded, transforming it into a comprehensive apparel park where companies can produce fabric, accessories, elastics, labels, and more, all within one location. Our workforce has grown to over 20,000 individuals, with over 80% being women from nearby rural areas. We’ve provided training and employment opportunities to over 85,000 people since our inception 15 years ago.
Brandix, a global apparel manufacturer, developed the Apparel City. With operations spanning five countries, including Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Haiti, Brandix boasts design studios in New York, Nottingham, and Hong Kong. Brandix India Apparel City (Pvt) Ltd. is a subsidiary of Brandix and serves as the park’s developer. Additionally, the group operates four apparel manufacturing units within the park, alongside third-party apparel and fabric manufacturers. The developer offers comprehensive services to tenants, including a 56 million liters per day capacity effluent treatment plant and a 60 million liters per day capacity water treatment plant. These facilities are shared among all tenants.
Moreover, the park features a 200-megawatt electricity substation and well-established road networks, making it easy for potential supply chain partners to set up operations. We offer built-to-suit facilities and pre-built units for rent, accommodating businesses of all sizes. With our extensive workforce and established infrastructure, new tenants can take advantage of transport services and a central kitchen for employee meals. All these resources are available for new tenants to utilize at their convenience.
Q: What specific sustainability measures have been implemented within your organization?
A: Sustainability lies at the core of our mission, igniting our passion. As a park, we proudly operate as a zero-landfill facility. Our commitment to sustainability extends to every aspect of our operations.
Utilizing a common effluent treatment plant, we ensure that waste is effectively managed. Additionally, we’ve implemented a solar sludge dryer, harnessing solar power to treat sludge to a quality suitable for fuel in a kiln, eliminating landfill waste.
Even fabric waste finds new life, repurposed into insulation and rugs, preventing any material from ending up in landfills. Our goal is clear: to achieve net zero status by 2030.
We’ve already made significant strides, with a robust solar power infrastructure supporting our processing needs. Our dedication to sustainability is further evident in our sprawling 116-acre green belt, where we plant 20,000 trees annually.
Our sustainability efforts revolve around three pillars: air, water, and earth. Water conservation is a priority, with ongoing efforts to minimize consumption.
Notably, we rely solely on rainwater harvest, boasting a 500-million-litre capacity impoundment. Investments in modern machinery and boilers have allowed us to lessen our reliance on fossil fuels.
With the operation of paddy husk boilers, we’re steadily advancing towards our net zero objectives. Every initiative we undertake is a step forward on our sustainability journey, ensuring a greener future for generations to come.
Q: What are your plans for replicating this model in other states within India or internationally?
A: We anticipate the emergence of additional mega textile parks following the introduction of the PM Mitra scheme. Therefore, we have actively engaged with various state governments to impart our insights. We facilitate the adoption of a similar model by these states to replicate the success we’ve achieved across multiple parks.
I expect the establishment of the seven PM Mitra parks, which are seeking public-private partnerships to materialize. We are collaborating closely with them to share our knowledge and provide necessary support. We view this collaboration not as competition but as an opportunity to broaden our ecosystem beyond our current park.
India possesses significant potential for growth, and the establishment of these parks will contribute to realizing that potential. We firmly believe that the collective efforts will enable India to achieve the scale it has long aspired for.
Q: What is your current revenue generation and what are your projected revenue expectations five years into the future?
A: At present, our garment exports amount to a substantial $350 million each year, involving the shipment of over 150 million individual pieces from our park. This operation stands as a considerable endeavor in terms of scale and economic impact. Looking ahead, we are committed to expanding this capacity twofold within the next five years. To achieve this goal, we are actively seeking new investments to enhance the infrastructure and capabilities of our park. With these strategic initiatives, we aim to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the global market and further solidify our position as a key player in the garment industry.
Q: What impact do emerging technologies have on the apparel industry?
A: Apparel production represents a significant sector where the integration of new technologies and automation holds immense potential. Currently, we stand at the threshold of a transformative era, where advancements are poised to revolutionize the traditionally labor-intensive processes prevalent in the industry. This transition is already underway, evidenced by the ongoing evolution within our manufacturing plants.
As automation gradually supplants manual tasks, our focus shifts towards upskilling our workforce. By equipping machine operators with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, we enhance operational efficiency while concurrently providing opportunities for our employees to augment their earnings. This symbiotic relationship between technological innovation and human capital development not only propels our organization forward but also fosters broader economic growth.
Moreover, as the efficiency of our operations increases, so too do the economic benefits for our workers, creating a ripple effect that positively impacts the entire economy. Thus, the integration of automation not only streamlines our processes but also enhances the livelihoods of those within our workforce.
Q: What apparel brands are currently operating within your park?
A: Specializing in white-label production for leading fashion labels worldwide, we collaborate with renowned global brands. Our approach involves close co-development with clients, fostering collaborative relationships. This means we work hand in hand with them to design and develop products, ensuring they meet their exact specifications. From concept to creation, we leverage our expertise to deliver the highest quality garments possible. Our dedication to excellence permeates every stage of the production process, guaranteeing that our clients have access to garments that exceed their expectations and resonate with their brand identity.
