Surat, India's renowned textile hub, is gearing up for a significant boost in growth with an estimated investment exceeding Rs 600 crore set to pour into digital printing and advanced embroidery machinery. This surge in investment follows the remarkable success of the Surat International Textile and Machinery Exhibition (SITME) 2024, jointly organized by the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) and the Surat Embroidery Association (SEA).

Ramesh Vaghasia, President of SGCCI, expressed optimism about the impending investment, noting that it would propel Surat's garment industry to unprecedented heights. The recently concluded SITME exhibition drew over 20,000 visitors from across the nation, indicating a robust interest in the showcased machinery.

Exhibitors at the event presented a diverse array of machinery, spanning price ranges from Rs 13 lakh to Rs 1 crore. Many exhibitors reported positive prospects, with expectations of securing orders for multiple machines in the near future.

One exhibitor, who showcased four cutting-edge embroidery machines valued between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 50 lakh, shared promising insights from the exhibition. "Participation in SITME facilitated direct connections with buyers from various Indian cities," he remarked. "Based on the genuine inquiries received, I anticipate securing a total of 26 machine orders within the next month."

Furthermore, he revealed, "There's significant interest in orders for 20 advanced embroidery machines, each valued at Rs 40 lakh. In total, I foresee securing orders exceeding Rs 10 crore within the next month, all attributed to my participation in SITME."

The SGCCI is actively pursuing Surat's transformation into a hub for textile machinery manufacturing, aligning with the government's Make in India initiative. Vaghasia highlighted ongoing efforts, stating, "As Juki Company establishes a garment machinery plant in Ahmedabad, Surat is also striving to manufacture readymade garment-making machinery. The SGCCI's endeavors aim to benefit the entire garment industry."

This surge in investment, coupled with the SGCCI's commitment to domestic manufacturing, paints a promising picture for Surat's textile industry. The city is well-positioned to reinforce its status as a leading center for textile production and innovation.