Bangad Group: Weaving Not Just Fabrics But Also Legacy Of Tomorrow!

Ichalkaranji, often referred to as the ‘Manchester of Maharashtra,’ has long been known for its weaving heritage. Among its pioneering names, Bangad Group of Industries stands tall as a company that has not only embraced modern weaving technologies but also redefined the art of sari-making in the town.

Founded in 1971 by visionaries Rameshwarlalji Bangad and Vasudevji Bangad, the group began its journey when weaving in the town was still largely traditional. By embracing mechanization early and later investing in high-speed looms, Bangad Group became one of the first to blend scale with precision. Today, more than five decades later, the group is not only a leader in grey and shirting fabrics but also the only company in Ichalkaranji manufacturing saris on Jacquard weaving looms, making it a true pioneer.

The company’s journey reflects both adaptation and foresight. From introducing power looms in 1971 to steadily upgrading with Sulzer, Picanol Rapier and Tsudakoma airjet looms, Bangad Group has kept pace with global technology. The 2010s marked a transformative phase with the adoption of Toyota e-shade airjets and other advanced high-speed airjets, which significantly improved productivity and efficiency.

A landmark milestone came in 2023 when Bangad Group set up its first Jacquard unit with Vamatex Leonardo looms (3072 hooks), entering sari production. Just a year later, the company expanded to 6100 hooks, enabling it to weave even more intricate sari designs, upholstery and fashion fabrics. This step not only diversified the company’s portfolio but positioned it as a trendsetter in Ichalkaranji, Maharashtra.

“Our philosophy has always been to stay one step ahead,” says Sunilkumar Rameshwarlal Bangad, Director, adding, “We began with the belief that quality products will speak for themselves and today, every milestone, from looms to Jacquards, proves the power of that belief.”

The sari division is the centrepiece of Bangad Group’s growth story. Using advanced jacquard and airjet technologies, the company crafts saris that capture both tradition and modernity. Each piece reflects precision from dobby designs to full-body jacquard patterns, resulting in saris that are luxurious, fashion-forward and rooted in cultural heritage. The group is now preparing to take this journey a step further with the launch of its own sari brand, SIYORA, which will offer exclusive collections under the Bangad legacy.

“Being the only sari manufacturer in Ichalkaranji is both an honour and a responsibility,” remarks Ashish Vasudev Bangad, Director. “For us, every sari is more than fabric, it’s a canvas of culture, artistry and innovation. We want our saris to be as relevant to an urban millennial as they are to someone who cherishes tradition.”

Customization plays a major role in this division. Clients can choose tailored designs, colours and textures. The company also collaborates with designers and boutiques to launch limited-edition collections. With exports gaining traction, Bangad group is actively working to showcase the richness of Indian saree weaving on a global scale.

“Our aim is to take the Ichalkaranji sari beyond borders,” adds Amit Jaythalia, Director. “The combination of advanced looms and in-house design allows us to deliver unique products that can stand on par with international luxury textiles.”

Bangad Group operates around 200 looms, producing 1 to 2 million metres of fabric every month, over 15 million metres annually. Its advanced Jacquard units, supported by Staubli systems up to 6100 hooks, enable high-volume production of intricate designs without compromising speed or consistency.

The group’s R&D centre plays a crucial role in driving innovation. The team experiments with blends of cotton, polyester, hemp, bamboo, linen and Tencel to create fabrics that are both functional and sustainable. Prototyping and sampling are streamlined, reducing lead time for new products and ensuring market responsiveness.

“Innovation is not a choice anymore, it is a necessity,” explains Sanket Sunilkumar Bangad, Director, who represents the third generation of leadership. “My focus is to integrate sustainability with branding so that Bangad Group becomes synonymous with responsible, future-ready textiles.”

The company’s operations are ISO 9001:2015, OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified and very soon, Bangad Group will also become a proud member of BCI (Better Cotton Initiative). Quality checks are carried out at every stage, from raw material procurement to final dispatch. Continuous training ensures that technicians and workers remain adept at handling high-speed machinery. This disciplined approach ensures consistency across every batch, reinforcing client trust in both domestic and export markets.

Bangad Group’s sustainability initiative, Pravaha, signals its entry into eco-conscious textiles. The brand offers fabrics made from hemp, bamboo, banana fibre, recycled polyester, organic cotton, vegan silk, and more. Though currently a smaller share of total production, the company is steadily scaling this vertical to meet rising demand.

“Our vision is to make sustainable fabrics accessible without compromising performance,” notes Sanket Bangad. “With Pravaha, we are positioning ourselves as partners to brands that want to embrace eco-friendly fashion.”

The company also practices waste recycling, repurposing scraps, and is actively exploring renewable energy through solar integration.

With a workforce of about 200 employees, Bangad Group balances human expertise with technological infrastructure. Its customer-first approach has enabled collaborations with fashion designers, garment manufacturers and home décor brands, often involving customized developments with flexible order quantities.

The group acknowledges challenges such as volatile raw material prices and fluctuating market demand. However, the leadership views these hurdles as opportunities for reinvention.

“The textile industry is cyclical, but resilience comes from consistent innovation,” says Sunilkumar Bangad. “Our investments in R&D and sustainability are the shields against these uncertainties.”

Looking ahead, Bangad Group sees its biggest opportunities in sustainable textiles, sari exports and collaborations with global brands.

The roadmap for the next five years includes launching linen blends and coloured variants of bestselling fabrics, expanding sari exports to premium fashion houses and boutiques abroad, strengthening Pravaha to capture the growing eco-fashion segment.

“In the coming years, we want Bangad Group to be recognized as much for its saris as for its sustainable fabrics,” says Sanket Bangad. “Our goal is to weave not just cloth, but stories that inspire trust, innovation and responsibility.”

From powerlooms in the 1970s to state-of-the-art Jacquards in the 2020s, Bangad Group’s journey echoes vision, adaptability and a deep commitment to excellence. By being the first and only company in Ichalkaranji to produce saris on Jacquard looms, it has placed the town on the global textile map in a new light. With a strong foundation and a future driven by sustainability and innovation, Bangad Group is not merely weaving fabrics, it is weaving the legacy of tomorrow.