Investment in advanced coating systems supports shift towards functional textiles and export markets

Candor Textiles has enhanced its coating capabilities through the adoption of advanced technology from Zimmer Austria, supported in India by A.T.E. Enterprises. The investment forms part of the company’s transition towards functional textiles and higher-value applications.

Candor Textiles has expanded its manufacturing capabilities by integrating coating technology from Zimmer Austria, facilitated by A.T.E. Enterprises Private Limited. The move is part of the company’s strategy to transition from greige fabric production to functional textiles and finished products.

Speaking about the transition, Mr. Rakesh Jain, Chief Business Officer, Candor Textiles, said, “We started our journey under our parent company Jyoti Overseas, primarily dealing in greige canvas fabrics. As our customer base grew, we realised the need to move beyond greige fabrics into finished textiles and eventually into made-ups. Today, we are largely out of conventional textiles and firmly positioned in functional textiles.”

The company currently exports nearly 90 percent of its production to approximately 50 countries, with the United States, Australia and Europe serving as key markets.

Candor operates across three divisions, including a textile processing unit with dyeing, padding and coating facilities, a segment focused on art canvases and stretch frames, and a division for custom sewing operations catering to heavy-duty bags, tents and outdoor applications.

“Our strength lies in heavy-weight canvas fabrics designed for demanding applications such as luxury tents, glamping structures, canopies and heavy-duty outdoor bags,” said Mr. Jain. “These products require waterproofing, water repellency, flame retardancy, UV resistance and high light fastness. In the art canvas segment, coating precision and surface uniformity are absolutely critical.”

To address coating requirements, the company installed a Zimmer coating line around two and a half years ago. The system was supplied through A.T.E. Enterprises, Zimmer Austria’s representative in India.

“Earlier, we operated coating lines up to three meters, but we faced challenges related to consistency and manual variability,” Mr. Jain said. “When you are supplying to global brands, consistency is everything. GSM uniformity, surface texture, coating thickness—every parameter must be precise.”

According to the company, the installation has improved automation, programmability and repeatability in coating operations.

“The biggest advantage has been consistency and precision,” he said. “Automation has reduced manual errors and rejections. In segments like art canvases and performance textiles, even minor deviations can result in product rejection. The Zimmer line has given us better control and reliability.”

The presence of advanced technology is also a factor during buyer evaluations. “When global brands visit our plant, they assess not only the product but the entire setup—machinery, labs, systems,” Mr. Jain said. “The presence of globally recognised technology like Zimmer enhances our credibility and builds buyer confidence.”

The company has also implemented sustainability measures, including captive solar power through rooftop installations and a Zero Liquid Discharge facility. It holds GOTS and GRS certifications.

“Our entire power requirement is largely met through solar energy,” Mr. Jain said. “We have invested in sustainable practices not just because buyers demand it, but because it aligns with our core values and long-term philosophy.”

In addition to manufacturing operations, Candor has developed worker housing with capacity for 450 employees and operates a school that provides subsidised education to nearly 1200 children from nearby villages. Plans are in place to expand the school in the future.

“We believe growth must be inclusive,” Mr. Jain added. “Our responsibility extends beyond manufacturing and ourselves.”

The company’s coating capacity is approximately 0.75 million meters per month across three lines, while fabric processing capacity stands at around five lakh meters per month. Candor employs about 650 people and operates at a turnover close to ₹95 crore, with a target to exceed ₹100 crore in the current financial year.

“We have the infrastructure in place, and there is still scope for better utilisation,” Mr. Jain said. “With increasing global opportunities, particularly in functional textiles, we see strong growth potential.”

Future expansion plans include the installation of a continuous mercerising range and a singeing machine, aimed at extending production into lightweight fabrics for bags, apparel and outdoor applications. The company is also exploring automation in its art division to improve efficiency in wood cutting and stretch frame production.

“This partnership is not just about machinery,” Mr. Jain concluded. “It reflects our commitment to precision, consistency and global standards. With the right technology and sustainable manufacturing practices, we are confident of strengthening our position in international markets”.