K.M Knitwear Private Limited and Jeyavishnu Clothing Private Limited, key players within the Rs. 1000 crore K.M Group, have etched a remarkable journey over three decades. Founded by K.M. Subramanian, the group’s humble beginnings of 50 sewing machines and a modest capital of Rs. 1 lakh has blossomed into a fully integrated textile conglomerate. Today, it proudly ranks among India’s top ten exporters, catering to a global clientele spanning over 15 countries.
A Vertical Integration Odyssey
A pivotal moment in the group’s history arrived in the late 2000s when it embarked on a strategic decision to vertically integrate its operations, encompassing spinning, knitting, and processing. This transformative step, as highlighted by Vishnuprabu, the group’s Joint Managing Director, propelled K.M Group towards global competitiveness.
The group’s comprehensive product range includes a diverse array of knitted garments for infants, children, men, women, and nightwear, catering to renowned brands in the US, UK, France, Norway, South Africa, and beyond. With an annual export turnover exceeding Rs. 500 crore, K.M Group has solidified its position as a leading player in the global textile industry.
Manufacturing Excellence and Sustainability
K.M Group’s manufacturing infrastructure is a testament to its commitment to quality and efficiency. The group boasts a capacity of 6500 sewing machines, producing an impressive 40 lakh garments monthly. Its spinning division, equipped with 72000 spindles, boasts a daily production capacity of over 60 tons of yarn. Additionally, the group’s fabric processing unit, all-over print (AOP) facility and placement printing unit collectively contribute to its robust production capabilities.
The group’s unwavering dedication to sustainability is evident in its various certifications, including Oeko-Tex Standard 100, HIGG FEM, SEDEX, GOTS, GRS, ISO 9001:2015, WRAP, OCS, BCI, ZDHC, ISO 14001:2015, ISO 45001:2018, and Nordic Swan Ecolabel. Notably, the group’s Garment factory (Unit 14) has achieved IGBC Platinum Certification, and its processing unit has been honoured with the prestigious “Green Award 2018” from the Tamil Nadu Government.
Innovation and Future Vision
K.M Group’s commitment to innovation is reflected in its adoption of advanced technologies such as auto-cutter with CAD, spreader and cutter, and LEAN Manufacturing Systems. The group’s focus on automation and Industry 4.0 is evident in its recent implementation of automatic cutting machines, PC-based barcode mechanisms, electronic display systems, and fully automated spinning processes.
As the group looks ahead, its vision is to further solidify its position as a global textile leader. With a projected turnover of Rs. 1200 crore by FY 2026, K.M Group remains steadfast in its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and customer satisfaction.