Textile industry in Mumbai

Mumbai’s textile industry contributed significantly to the city’s overall economic growth.

Mumbai has a rich history as an industrial hub, boasting a diverse range of thriving sectors such as textiles, information technology, manufacturing and finance. Its advantageous proximity to the seaport has streamlined the import and export processes, benefiting both sides of the trade equation. This industrial tapestry has exerted a profound impact on the dynamics of commercial and residential real estate, attracting numerous startups and established companies eager to establish their presence in Mumbai.

 

Business landscape in Mumbai

Mumbai, often referred to as the “Manchester of India “, is renowned for its industrial heritage. The city boasts financial institutions, including the headquarters of Stock Exchanges, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the State Bank of India (SBI). Additionally, Mumbai takes pride in its leading role in the jewellery sector. Thanks to the Bombay oil field, it has also laid a foundation for a thriving petroleum industry. Moreover, Mumbai’s IT industry has made strides, further cementing its importance. Its strategic proximity to a port and easy access to materials has solidified its position as a player in the textile industry alongside Surat and Ahmedabad.

 

Top textile companies in Mumbai

Raymond

Company Type: MNC

Location: Ballard Estate, Mumbai / Maharashtra – 400001

Founded in: 1925

Raymond Textile Industry’s growth marks a fascinating journey lasting more than ninety years. Raymond, founded in 1925, has grown from a tiny woollen mill in Thane, Maharashtra, to a diverse textile company of tremendous significance in India. Throughout its history, the firm has expanded its product line to include a diverse variety of textiles, clothes, and lifestyle brands, establishing a reputation for quality, refinement, and fashion. Raymond’s unwavering commitment to innovation is reflected in the development of the world’s best suiting material, the Super 250s, as well as its foray into the retail realm via an acquisition.

Bombay Dyeing and Manufacturing Company

Company Type: MNC

Location: Ballard Estate, Mumbai, Maharashtra- 400038

Founded in: 1879

Founded in 1879 by Nowrosjee Wadia, Bombay Dyeing & Manufacturing Company has undergone a remarkable transformation. It began as a small-scale cotton yarn dyeing venture and has since become a renowned brand. As the flagship entity of the Wadia Group, it holds a prominent position in both textile production and as a major retailer of Bed, Bath, and Coordinates products in India. While it has a historical reputation for textile excellence, it has seamlessly transitioned into a premier home decor enterprise. 

Century Textile and Industries

Company Type: MNC

Location: Worli, Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400030

Founded in: 1897

Originating as a solitary textile enterprise back in 1897, Century Textiles and Industries has undergone a significant transformation into a dynamic corporate conglomerate within the Aditya Birla Group. Recognised for its pioneering role in cotton textiles, the company utilises advanced technology and crafts top-tier textiles, including suiting, shirting, fine fabrics, and household linen. Its diverse product line encompasses cotton textiles, yarn, denim, and viscose filament rayon yarn. 

Grasim 

Company Type: MNC

Location: Worli, Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400030

Founded in: 1947

Grasim Industries, a subsidiary under the esteemed Aditya Birla Group, traces its roots back to 1947 when it was founded as India’s pioneering textile facility. Over the years, Grasim has evolved into a prominent global entity, primarily excelling in the production of Viscose Staple Fibre (VSF). Beyond textiles, Grasim has established its significance across diverse sectors, including Chlor-Alkali, Advanced Materials, Linen Yarn, and Fabrics. Situated in Mumbai, Grasim’s transformation from its textile origins to its current multifaceted presence underscores its unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence.

Siyaram Silk Mills

Company Type: MNC

Location: Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400013

Founded in: 1978

Established back in 1978, Siyaram Silk Mills, Ltd., affectionately known as Siyaram’s or SSM, has earned a well-deserved reputation for its innovative approach to crafting blended fabrics and exquisite garments. Siyaram spoils its patrons with an opulent array of choices, ranging from long staple cotton and Giza cotton to linen, wool cashmere, silk, and unique fabric blends. Siyaram’s reputation for its commitment to superior quality and cutting-edge fashion in the area of high-end suiting, shirting and attire establishes it as a symbol of sophistication and originality within the textile industry.

Reliance Industries

Company Type: MNC

Location: Nariman Point, Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400038

Founded in: 1988

Reliance has been a pioneer in the field of branded textiles since its founding in 1988. The firm has been a driving force behind the creation and marketing of the legendary ‘Vimal’ brand, carving its name into the tapestry of Indian textile history from its facility in Naroda. The Naroda complex has constantly extended its activities, producing a varied variety of moisture-controlling woven and knitted textiles. These fabrics include suiting, shirting, and home textiles, and the plant also produces and sells synthetic and worsted suiting and shirting, ready-to-wear outfits, and automotive fabrics.

Trent (Westside)

Company Type: Textile

Location: Bandra, Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400051

Founded in: 1998

Trent, a subsidiary of the well-known Tata group, was established in 1998. Trent has over 22 separate brands, including Westside, Zudio, Samoh, and Starbazaar, scattered throughout an expanding network of over 500 retail shops. This innovative fashion and lifestyle company is known for its unique ideas and provides a diverse range of items such as women’s clothes, men’s clothing, children’s clothing, shoes, accessories and home décor.

Damodar Industries

Company Type: MNC

Location: Worli, Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400013

Founding Date: 1992

The Damodar Industries came into existence as a privately held entity on December 11, 1987, with the primary purpose of producing synthetic blended yarns. It now boasts six distinct manufacturing facilities. On March 20, 1992, the company underwent a transformation and became a publicly traded company. It stands as a prominent manufacturer of fancy yarns in India, offering an extensive selection of yarn varieties encompassing cotton, viscose, and polyester, as well as blended yarns that incorporate elements such as linen, jute, and even wool.

AYM Syntex 

Company Type: MNC

Location: Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400013

Founded in: 1985

AYM Syntex, formerly known as Welspun Syntex, is well-known for its innovative methods in the creation of polyester and nylon yarns, which include spinning, texturising and dyeing. AYM ranks high among international industry leaders in the development of specialised and multi-polymer yarns. AYM runs Asia’s largest yarn-dying plant, with production facilities strategically located in Silvassa (Dadra Nagar Haveli) and Palghar (Maharashtra).

JBF Industries 

Company Type: MNC

Location: Nariman Point, Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400021

Founded in: 1982

Established in 1982, JBF Industries Limited operates in the manufacturing sector, producing Polyester Chips, Polyester Yarn, and Processed Yarn. The company caters to a diverse range of segments, including traditional handloom, handicrafts, wool, silk products, and the organised textile industry. JBF is a prominent producer of polyester textured and twisted yarn. With a manufacturing plant for Partially Oriented Polyester Yarn, it has emerged as one of the prominent players in the Indian polyester business.

Vardhman Textiles

Company Type: Textile

Location: Andheri (East), Mumbai, Maharashtra 400069

Founded in: 1973

Vardhman Textiles, founded in 1973, is an Indian company with dealings in yarn, sewing thread, steel, and cloth. It is an active supplier, manufacturer, and exporter of cotton yarns, polyester-cotton blends, and acrylic yarns throughout the country. Vardhman is India’s largest textile company, with many manufacturing facilities and a wide range of yarns, threads, and materials for fashion.

Bombay Rayon Fashion 

Company Type: Textile

Location: Rajiv Santacruz West, Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400054

Founded in: 1992

Bombay Rayon Fashion Limited, founded in 1992 as Mudra Fabrics Private Limited, is a preferred choice for both international and domestic garment companies, manufacturers, fabric traders, and end consumers in the production of a diverse range of fabrics such as cotton, linen, viscose, and their blends. They run the nation’s biggest single-roof fabric processing factory and provide a wide range of fabric labels such as Bombay Rayon, BRFL, LinenVogue – La Classe, Dickens & Browne, and others.

Mafatlal Industries

Company Type: Textile

Location: Backbay Reclamation, Mumbai, Maharashtra – 411057

Founded in: 1913

Mafatlal Industries, founded in Ahmedabad in 1913, specialises in textiles and textile chemicals. Its well-equipped mills provide bleaching, dyeing, printing, merchandising, calendering and other services. Its product line includes yarn-dyed shirtings, suitings, prints, linens, denims, corduroys, school uniforms and bed & bath linen in a variety of fabric mixes such as cotton, linen and polyester. It provides a wide range of textile requirements, covering both institutional and consumer sectors.

Barnet India

Company Type: MNC

Location: New Marine Lines, Mumbai, Maharashtra – 40020

Founded in: 2002

Barnet India, founded in 2002, is a well-known textile producer specialising in a wide range of goods, including industrial yarns, staple fibres, polymer chips, melt-filtered pelletisation, and other yarns and threads. Barnet India is a registered supplier renowned for offering excellent textile filament yarns and associated goods. They have earned a trusted and established name in the industry for their constant dedication to excellence.

Donear Industries

Company Type: MNC

Location: Andheri East, Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400093

Founded in: 1994

Donear Industries was established in 1994 as a small manufacturing unit in Silvassa. The Donear Group boasts a rich legacy of companies and brands, such as Donear, OCM, Graviera, and Mayur. Donear has established itself as a dominant force in the domestic suiting and shirting industry. With a 40-year track record of delivering top-notch fabrics, it offers an extensive range of products, including suitings, trousers, and shirting fabrics, all in sync with the latest fashion trends.

 

Commercial real estate demand in Mumbai

  • Office space: Due to the city’s growing textile industry, Mumbai has seen a surge in demand for office space in recent years. The rise of textile firms has resulted in an increase in the need for production units, warehouses, and corporate head offices.
  • Rental property: There is a high demand for rental properties in Mumbai, both residential and commercial. The real estate market has become more competitive as a result of rising demand, driving up rental rates and property values. While it has economic benefits, it also boosts costs and makes access more difficult.
  • Impact: The textile industry’s rise has fuelled the creation of new business centres and commercial buildings in Mumbai, strengthening the economy, providing jobs, and increasing competition in the real estate market.

 

Impact of textile industry on Mumbai

The textile industry in Mumbai has had a profound impact on its population and various aspects of the city. Firstly, it has been a major source of employment, attracting a significant labour force, both skilled and unskilled, leading to a population influx. This, in turn, has fueled local businesses and the service sector, creating economic opportunities. 

However, the burgeoning textile sector has also driven up commercial and residential real estate prices, making it challenging for small businesses and residents to afford properties in the city. This complex interplay between industry, population growth, and real estate dynamics underscores the multifaceted impact of the textile sector on Mumbai’s socio-economic landscape.

 

FAQs

Why is Mumbai famous for its textile industry?

The proximity of Mumbai to the Arabian Sea port and the ready availability of raw materials make it an advantageous location for textile industries to thrive and succeed in their ventures.

What industries are flourishing in Mumbai?

Textiles, entertainment, finance, information technology, manufacturing, ports, healthcare, media, hotels, real estate, education, and retail are among the city's thriving industries, generating economic growth and diversity.

What are some of Mumbai's top textile industries?

Some of Mumbai’s top textile industries include Bombay Dyeing, Reliance Industries (Textile Division), AYM Syntex Limited, Raymond Group, Grasim Industries, Barnet India, Siyaram's, and Century Textiles.

What makes Mumbai so vital to the industry?

Mumbai's strategic location on the Arabian Sea, well-established infrastructure, concentration of talent, financial institutions, and port access make it an important industrial centre in India, promoting trade, commerce, and economic expansion.

Mumbai is often referred to as a mega-city primarily due to its prominence in which industry?

Mumbai is often regarded as a mega-city due to its largest population of millionaires in India. It is India's unofficial financial capital and serves as the epicentre of the Hindi film industry, commonly known as Bollywood. Also, it is the country's second-largest metropolis.

What attributes classify Mumbai as a global city?

Mumbai is a worldwide metropolis because of its prominence in India and its reputation as one of the world's largest and most densely inhabited metropolitan centres. It is the biggest city in India and the fourth-largest in the world. Its designation as an 'Alpha' world metropolis shows its enormous economic importance on a worldwide scale.

What makes Mumbai the finance centre of India?

Mumbai is India's financial centre due to its stock exchanges, banking institutions, corporate districts, international connections, and a large financial services industry, making it the focal point for economic and financial operations in the country.

Why is Mumbai famous?

Mumbai is known for its bustling metropolis, historic landmarks such as the Gateway of India, thriving Bollywood film industry, diverse culture, vibrant street food, and dynamic business opportunities, making it a globally recognised and culturally rich city.

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com
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