DEEPAK MOHINDRA
(Editor-In-Chief)
EDITOR'S DESK - MAY - 2008

Over the last 6 months, I have read many stories in The Economic Times
referring to the despondent state of the garment industry with reference
to declining exports, rising attrition and worker lay off and worst case
scenarios of scores of companies closing down. But when I followed the leads to
discover the truth, I was appalled, as most of the news was not as presented. Mind
you, I am a fan of Economic Times for its vast understanding of business, particularly
financial matters and am in no way casting doubt on its creditability, but there is
certainly a gap between what is on the surface and the reality beneath.
No doubt, volumes in exports are not fetching as much as before, mostly because of
the hardening rupee, but statistics from both the US and EU customs clearly show
that volumes are increasing in the two markets. Apparel Online has been analysing
these trends every fortnight, which clearly indicate that exports are still moving
upwards, though at a slower pace. Who can forget the euphoria of 2005 when
Indian apparel exports registered an all time high of 34% followed by a 24% increase
in 2006. The last year of course was a slow year but it would seem that people are
more scared of anticipated dark days ahead than the actual situation today.
Everyone is critical of the Government’s unresponsive stance, particularly as it has
continued to support the IT industry, which has many parallels with the apparel
industry, although it cannot generate as much employment. In this scenario what
are the forward thinking companies doing…in my understanding, they are preparing
for the return of the boom, creating infrastructure and systems that can give
sustainable growth. The focus of investment is clearly for IT enabled solutions to
improve productivity and efficiency in the supply chain thereby reducing cost
and improving deliveries.
Among these progressive companies is NCC, a company that re-defines the best
practices normally found in garment manufacturing enterprises. The quality practices
generally described in books, the HR practices workers/ employees dream about, the
purchase/sourcing practices that re-defines authority over responsibility, innovative
cost control through profit sharing and trust; all can be found in the company. The
word transparency and ethics, which lost their essence in any garment manufacturing
enterprise, finds a strong footing in the organisation. A young and passionate CEO
probably presents a case of unique blend of dynamism and optimism by putting
theory onto practice, a class apart!
This issue of Stitch World benchmarks the company on different parameters
setting standards on motivation, flexible manufacturing and teamwork. We also
bring you a preview of JIAM, highlighting some of the leading companies and
their technologies.


Deepak Mohindra
Editor-in-Chief

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