‘Indian Technology, Global Performance’: Why Sukartik Clothing Trusts Yamuna’s Stenter & Compactor

Ludhiana-based Sukartik Clothing Pvt. Ltd. is a fully integrated manufacturer in the seamless garment segment, combining seamless knitting, garment dyeing, fabric processing and stitching under one roof. Led by Navratan Gaggar, Chairman & Managing Director, the company produces high-performance apparel and premium knitted fabrics for domestic and international markets. To strengthen its value-added finishing capabilities, Sukartik invested in advanced processing machinery from Yamuna Machine Works, enhancing quality, efficiency and responsiveness to customer requirements.

“We were already manufacturing seamless garments and doing fabric dyeing, but we didn’t have our own finishing facility,” recalls Gaggar. “Around 2019, we started planning to install a stenter and compactor. We invited several machinery manufacturers and evaluated different options. What impressed us most about Yamuna was not only the machine itself but the way their team explained every detail, their technical knowledge and the confidence they gave us through their commitment to service.”

Although the project was temporarily postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Sukartik’s decision never changed. When the company resumed its expansion plans in 2021-22, Yamuna remained its preferred choice.

“Even after the delay, we didn’t seriously consider anyone else because Yamuna had already earned our confidence,” says Gaggar. “Whatever they committed, they delivered beyond our expectations.”

According to him, purchasing a textile machine is only the beginning of a long-term relationship. What truly differentiates a machinery supplier is its willingness to support customers after installation.

“Every machine can have occasional issues. That is completely normal. What matters is how quickly the supplier responds. Yamuna has always stood by us. Whenever we have faced any concern, their team has responded immediately, understood the issue and worked with us until everything was resolved.”

The positive experience has encouraged Sukartik to expand further. The company has already placed an order for another Yamuna stenter, which is scheduled to be commissioned as part of its capacity expansion plans.

“We are increasing our production because the market has started improving again. The last couple of years were challenging, but demand is picking up and we are optimistic about the future.”

For Gaggar, the decision to install a stenter was never driven by simple return-on-investment calculations.

“A stenter is not a machine that gives direct returns in the conventional sense. It is a necessity for any complete fabric manufacturing facility. The biggest advantage is the value addition it creates. Today, we can offer specialised finishes, satisfy customer-specific requirements and complete the entire process under one roof. Those are the real benefits.”

The Yamuna compactor has also played an important role in improving production efficiency and finishing quality.

“We have experienced around 10 to 20 per cent higher production compared to other alternatives. Along with productivity, the machine gives us consistent finishing quality, which is equally important because our customers expect the same standards every time.”

One factor that strongly influenced Sukartik’s investment decision was Yamuna’s ability to compete with leading international machinery manufacturers.

“When you look at this category of machinery, most comparable options are imported. Among Indian manufacturers, I genuinely don’t see anyone matching Yamuna at this level. We compared it with imported machines and we found Yamuna delivering comparable quality and performance.”

Gaggar also believes supporting Indian engineering is an equally important consideration.

“There is definitely a sense of pride in choosing an Indian manufacturer. If an Indian company is capable of producing machinery that competes with global brands, we should support it. It not only strengthens our own industry but also helps reduce dependence on imported equipment.”

Another aspect that has impressed Sukartik is Yamuna’s willingness to continuously improve its machines based on customer feedback.

“We suggested a few modifications for our new stenter and Yamuna immediately started working on them. They are very flexible and open to customisation. In fact, even on our existing machine, they proactively introduced several improvements because they wanted to make the machine even better. That approach gives customers tremendous confidence.”

Over the years, Sukartik’s facility has become a reference point for many textile processors evaluating finishing machinery. According to Gaggar, numerous industry professionals visit the plant to see the Yamuna machines in operation before making their own investment decisions.

“Many people have visited our factory to evaluate the machine. We happily recommend Yamuna because we have experienced the quality ourselves. Good machines speak for themselves.”

Looking ahead, Gaggar believes Yamuna has the potential to become India’s benchmark in textile finishing machinery.

“Today, imported brands still enjoy a perception advantage in the market, but when it comes to actual performance, Yamuna is competing with them successfully. I hope they continue innovating because they have every capability to become the role model for India’s textile machinery industry.”

He adds that a strong domestic machinery industry ultimately benefits the entire textile sector.

“If Indian companies like Yamuna continue growing, the entire industry benefits. Textile manufacturers receive world-class technology with reliable local support, while the country reduces dependence on imported machinery. That is a win for everyone.”

Asked to describe his experience with Yamuna Machine Works in just a few words, Navratan Gaggar doesn’t hesitate: “Simply the best.”

(By Henry Dsouza, Associate Editor, Textile Insights)