After facing the adverse effects of the global financial crisis for more than a year, SME apparel exporters are now looking to expand their activities and venture the industrial garment manufacturing sector. Focus shifting to technical wear Considering that there is a high demand for technical wear in sectors such as hospitality, fire services, army, healthcare, security service providers, manufacturing and automotive, among others SME apparel manufacturing units see an immense scope in export of technical clothing. “Robust demand on back of the high rate of consumption in certain sectors has made it a valuable proposition for small-scale garment manufacturing companies to explore opportunities in the recession-proof areas of industrial and technical wear,” said KK Maheshwari, proprietor of Badrivishal Textiles, a small-sized Kolhapur-based textile mill, which is already engaged in manufacturing uniform for army and security agencies. Besides high demand, the increased thrust of the government on technical textiles is encouraging small-scale garment units to explore opportunities in this space and avail fiscal incentives. The launch of national technology mission for technical textiles, availability of 5% interest compensation and a 10% upfront capital subsidy for technical textiles have made it further lucrative for SME apparel makers to venture in industrial wear manufacturing. “Enhanced government thrust on technical textiles will help small-scale units to get adequate funding and technological support, thereby helping them to stay competitive and make a mark in this segment,” said Navratan Asopha, proprietor of Balaji Yarns and Fibres, a small-sized yarn agency in Kolkata. While the industrial wear manufacturing sector presents immense scope, SME apparel exporters need to take measured decisions before foraying into the sector. For more detail on B2B Directory log on to http://www.bizxchange.in/