The Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) and the China Sewing Machinery Association (CSMA) jointly organized the first largest solo show outside China in Bangalore from 10-12 January. The main purpose of the event was to introduce Chinese sewing machinery industry and sewing machine products to the Indian manufacturers. The focus was thus on showcasing the advances in technology. The Chinese companies displayed their latest and extensive range of sewing machines such as single needle/double needle interlock machines, overlock machines, specialized machines, button attaching machines and embroidery machines. There were also a few companies showing machines in the area of pressing, quilting and finishing. Also on display were companies showcasing spare parts, motors and garment manufacturing technologies.
Today, China is the leader in sewing machinery manufacturing accounting for more than70 percent of the total world production. However, even after capturing the world sewing market, its image of low cost machinery with low technology persists.
As Tian Minyu, President China Sewing Machine Association, discussed on the occasion of the launch of the event by clarifying that, “Today Chinese companies are selling quality machines worldwide but our reputation still remains as that of a cheap manufacturer offering low quality machines. Many of the costumers do not realize the improvements made in China and they think that the quality is still the same as it was ten years ago.
We think it is necessary to promote China sewing machinery to international market collectively, show the present technologies achieved in China and help our companies to conquer international market.” He Ye, Deputy Chairman and Secretary General, CSMA added, “Chinese sewing machinery manufacturers are capable of providing a good product with lower price according to the need of the Indian manufacturer. This will benefit the long-term development of China’s sewing machinery and India’s garment industry. Our cooperation can be regarded as a typical win-win in the economic development process between the two countries.”
Ma Minliang, GM, SGSB Group, while sharing the general view, said, “Many new manufacturers have started independent operations under new brand names, which has increased the competition amongst themselves. The outcome has been the acknowledgement of the need to have distinct brand value by upgrading technology and offering more than just the basic machines”. Rahul Mehta, President of CMAI, added, “the purpose of holding the Exhibition was to showcase the Chinese Sewing Machinery Industry and their Latest Technology to the Apparel Manufacturers and Distributors in India, South Asia and South East Asia.’’
The general perception of the visitors who came to the fair was that there was a limited choice at the Expo, which did not showcase the new technologies that the Chinese industry has to offer. However, there were also those who were not expecting too much. Jagadish Hinduja, MD Gokuldas Images said, “We do not expect innovation from the Chinese machines but good pricing”.