Date:15/05/2004 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/05/15/stories/2004051502031900.htm

Back Madurai textile testing centre inaugurated

Our Correspondent

Madurai , May 14

THE Textile Testing and Development Centre was inaugurated at the Kappalur industrial estate, near here.

Established with the latest equipment worth Rs 2 crore, the centre would provide an integrated service under one roof with capabilities to test cotton fibre to garment and auxiliaries, equipment for maintenance of spinning machinery, CAD/CAM centre for design development, juki-made apparel stitching machinery, knitting, mini-cabinet dyeing machine and powerlooms for textile and clothing industry.

While the capital costs of the equipment are borne by the Government, the operational responsibilities are vested with the local industry under public-private partnership model.

Inaugurating the centre, the Union Textiles Secretary, Mr S.B. Mohapatra, said that it would cater to the requirements of the entire industry in the country, particularly Madurai and surrounding regions, which have witnessed significant growth in powerloom weaving and readymade garment industries.With the establishment of the centre, the entrepreneurs should convert challenges under the WTO regime into opportunities, he added.

He said 12 apparel parks have been sanctioned for various States and three are located in Tamil Nadu. While the one at Tirupur is nearing completion, the remaining two will come up at Chennai and Madurai.

Additionally, hi-tech weaving parks are to be established at Salem and Andipatti. The other States to have apparel parks will be Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab and Madhya Pradesh. Infrastructure development in textile units is also given thrust.