FIOTEX COTSPIN PVT. LTD. (FCPL), an esteemed player in the textile industry, is dedicated to manufacturing a wide range of cotton-spun yarns. Their comprehensive product line encompasses various yarn counts, ranging from Ne 8s to Ne 40s, fulfilling the requirements of both the Weaving and Hosiery sectors. With a keen focus on targeting both the domestic and international markets, FIOTEX has plans to introduce an array of value-added products in the future.
TVC Media Team recently had the privilege of sitting down with Mr. Ripple Patel, the esteemed Director of FCPL. With an impressive track record of 25 years in the Agriculture industry, his passion for this field is apparent. Throughout his career, Mr. Patel has garnered extensive experience in various areas such as Fertilisers, Speciality Fertiliser, Soil dynamics, Agri modalities, Cotton and Cotton Yarn, Environment, and Renewable energy. He considers these subjects to be both enjoyable and fascinating.
Mr. Patel’s dedication to improving society extends beyond his role at FCPL. He has collaborated with esteemed organisations, including the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), Confederation of Indian Textile Industries (CITI), CITI Cotton Development and Research Association (CDRA), Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industries (GCCI), Spinners Association Gujarat (SAG), and Rajkot Management Association (RMA). His involvement with these prestigious institutions has allowed him to contribute to various international, national, and state-level committees focused on Textiles, Agriculture, Renewable energy, Policy Advocacy, and more.
Please briefly describe the main objective of FCPL.
The main objective of Fiotex Cotspin is to provide fine and consistent quality cotton yarn and to establish Fiotex as a trustworthy brand in the domestic and international markets.
What is FCPL’s product range in terms of yarn counts and applications?
Fiotex produces Combed Compact Yarn, Combed Yarn, and Carded Yarn, with a count range of Ne 8’s to Ne 40’s Single Yarn. Application of these yarns could be Knitting or Weaving; our yarn is evident in Terry towels, home furnishings, Denims, Leggings, T-shirts, Undergarments, Bottoms, etc. Yarn is also used in various applications, both in exports and domestically. We also export Comber, Flat and lickerin.
Is FIOTEX targeting both the Indian market and the export market? Can you elaborate on the company’s plans for expansion in the future?
Yes, Fiotex is targeting both the Domestic and International markets; in fact, Fiotex already has some of the world’s renowned & top Brands as buyers, both in Domestic and International Markets. Currently, the Company is focused on investing in Renewable Energy so that we can provide our product with a Green Label. We want to achieve 100% captive renewable energy.
We have shifted 50% of our energy consumption from conventional to renewable (wind/solar) energy. By 2025, Fiotex will be a net zero-emission company that will source only solar and wind energy. In the future, the company envisages a goal for further value addition in forward integration.
Please provide some insight into the establishment of FCPL. When was it founded, and when did commercial production begin?
The establishment of Fiotex is linked with a great vision of our then Hon’ble Chief Minister and currently our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendrabhai Modi, who initiated Gujarat Textile policy in 2012, with a grand vision of 5F, Farm, Fiber, Fabric, Fashion and Foreign.
Gujarat’s textile policy was launched to regain the lost glory of Gujarat’s textile supremacy.
Fiotex was dreamed in the same era of 2015; on 16th November 2015, the auspicious day of Labh Panchami, we had Bhoomi Poojan of FIOTEX, and in a mere 330 Days of record time, FIOTEX started its commercial Production on 11th October 2016 again, the auspicious day of Vijaya Dashami.
Executing the construction of 3 Lakh Sq Feet and starting 100% 51072 Spindles in 330 days is a big achievement and a record.
Can you explain the technology and machinery used in the state-of-the-art spinning plant? What is the total installed capacity and the specific capabilities of the machinery?
Fiotex is equipped with latest Machineries comprising Truetzschler Blow room line and Cards, LMW Breaker Draw Frame / Lap former / Combers, Rieter Finisher Draw Frames, Electrojet Speed Frames, LMW 28 Ring Frames of 1824 spindles with total installed capacity of 51072 spindles out of which 40128 spindles are with COMPACT attachment and Schlafhorst Saurer Auto Link Coner Winders AC-X6. With state-of-the-art laboratory instruments, Uster labs like HVI, AFIS PRO and Uster Tester 6.0, we achieve what we commit.
The company has installed separate White PP removal machines in the Blow Room Area, which can detect both White and Color Plastic Parts and other debris in the cotton; we have also installed all PP-free sensors at winders, which detect all abnormalities (PP) and remove them. By this, we can control quality throughout the process, strengthening our Buyers’ trust.
How does FIOTEX ensure the production of high-quality cotton combed and combed compact yarn? Are there any specific quality control measures or testing processes in place?
Yes, Fiotex has laid down very strict quality management and maintenance rules. At present, quality is checked at every step and process. We took extra care in buying Ginned cotton procured from specific areas and designated Ginners. Every 100 bales test 10 – 20 samples.
Every Batch/Lot is tested. All processes are tested at regular intervals with every stage. Our entire Yarn production is tested per international and special standards approved by our premium customers and their specifications.
What is FIOTEX’s approach to customer satisfaction and timely delivery? How does the company meet the requirements of its domestic and international customers?
We at Fiotex have a robust system of Production planning. We provide an exact date for completion of Production and offer time confirmation of the Sales Order. Our team communicates regularly with Buyers and updates their status.
Every customer, both domestically and internationally, has different specifications for different end uses; we understand their requirements and cater for them 100%. For designated customers, we also provide fabric samples from the yarn ordered so they can analyse the fabric and its feel.
Are there any plans to add new value-added products in the future? If so, what are they, and how do they align with the company’s goals? Is FIOTEX Planning to expand in the Value Chain?
The company has huge plans to expand in future for further value addition in the textile chain. TFO, Ellie Twist and Core spun yarn are the near term in product mix. We also plan to cultivate sustainable cotton and have already identified farms to grow sustainable cotton. This will help us to penetrate those customers who believe in sustainability.
S-6 is one of the finest cotton available to us; henceforth, Fiotex is planning to invest in forward integration segments like weaving and knitting. Ultimately, the idea is to create a strong value chain in forward integration. Later on, the company will be keen to invest in state-of-the-art processing and finishing fabric zones with a zero liquid discharge facility.
Can you provide some information on the workforce and company culture at FIOTEX? How does the company nurture talent and create a supportive environment for its employees?
We at Fiotex believe in inclusive growth; the Company employs Local talents from nearby villages and prefers to hire female employees for non-laborious jobs (which is ample in the Spinning Mill). For local female employees, the company arranges a pickup and drop facility at the doorsteps of female employees. We have a culture of providing food to all employees either in the canteen or by providing rations and gas cylinders to each employee who cooks for themselves. We have the finest training facility for non-skilled workers and regular training for senior staff and management.
Any innovation in terms of process, efficiency, power saving, etc. are rewarded and complemented in front of all staff gatherings at Independence and Republic Day. 40% of our staff is promoted from worker level. The company promotes routine medical checkups for their employees by visiting doctors and medical camps, which ensures the good health of all employees.
Further, at Fiotex, we take full responsibility for the female workers; the Kariyawar Scheme facilitates all ladies workers who are getting married, and we provide basic household items and keep them financially for their marriage to reduce the burden on the family. (Kariyawar is a term used in Gujarati which means gifts and assistance to the bride from their parents)
Lastly, please mention some of the international customers and reputed global brands that FIOTEX caters to. What sets FIOTEX apart in terms of meeting their high standards and expectations?
The company has business relationships directly or indirectly with Inditex, H&M, Welspun, Trident, Arvind, Levis, Rupa, Lux, etc. Fiotex is set apart in terms of Business acumen and strict quality regulations. Also, the company has different Quality certifications like Oekotex & GOTS, which in turn have very high-quality standards to follow. Company is BCI Member.
