NEW DELHI—Alps Industries Limited, India has made a strong comeback in furnishing fabrics exports by increasing its business by 60-70 percent in the last two years, according to Amitabh Sen, Senior Vice President.

Alps Industries derives 60% from piece goods and the balance of 40% from readymade by exporting to 30 countries, he said. “Our  largest market continues to be United States. We have consolidated our market in terms of market positioning and expanded production simultaneously to cater to a select market segment that is less competitive but technically demanding.”  Alps has chosen to be focused on its own range of select product line tailored for exports and says it doesn’t wish to follow others in the crowded market of suppliers that are predominantly in polyester and polyester blends mostly catering to residential segments. Further, Alps industries have expanded its customer base and the most important contributor to win more customers has been a high level of color consistency that it maintains against Chinese suppliers, Sen added.

Alps Industries also says it has developed a three pass Blackout with decorative designs and will join just a few approved suppliers in the market. (A ‘3-pass’ blackout is produced by applying a layer of white foam to the fabric first, then a layer of black foam followed by the third and final layer of white or light-colored foam). “We are the only supplier from India in the contract blackout segment and this has a considerable share in the market as well,” Sen said. “We are adding 280 cm width soon that will enhance our reach in the international market”, said Nafis Saiyed, Assistant Vice President. Alps Industries FR blackout for contract segment will be sold to leading convertors. 

In 100 % cotton Blackouts, the Alps range is offered in 60 colors and is priced at $2.50-$6.00 a meter. Alps are a cotton decorative fabrics company and the big push is increasing sales by 60-70%,” Sen said. He feels that Alps’ future lies in reaching more wholesalers. He is now ready to deliver additional quantities that are expanding the mills capacity regularly. Aside from the Blackout lines, Alps is also offering embroidery on natural fabrics.   “Continued innovations in Blackouts, jacquards in wider width, cotton plains and a focus on the contract segment will drive us further and we will remain as a niche player in cotton Blackouts that offer 50,000 rubs, he said.

Alps Industries has crossed a turnover of $ 20 million in 2013 and derives its business from upholstery as well from curtains equally. The mill has been very successful in creating value added products in jacquard and cotton blackouts. “Contract and Hospitality business has a good requirement for blackout curtains and Alps is positively placed in the market”, Sen concluded.  

Amitabh Sen, Senior Vice President and Nafis Saiyed, Assistant Vice President, Alps Inudstries Limited