Interview with Mr.Sagar R Gangwal, Vice President Processing, Vardhman Group
“Rooted in values and driven by innovation, Vardhman Group weaves excellence through technology, sustainability, and a world-class work culture”
TexMart : What inspired the establishment of Vardhman Group and how has its core mission evolved over time?
Sagar R Gangwal : “Rooted in values and creating world class textiles” the tag line defines the inspiration of Vardhman group’s visionary founder leader Shree S P Oswal to build a professional organization from humble beginnings to spinning web success in one of the most competitive industry, creating a platform that drives innovation and excellence in the industry. With desire to bring change in an industry suffering with poor work culture and discipline Vardhman Group flourished into one of the leading textile industry focus bringing the best in class work culture. Besides growth and innovation Vardhman group has always thrived from digital technology to sustainability. Keeping customer feedback focus internal as well as external the approach of driven by passion and commitment has fuelled the growth of group with strategic planning.
Vardhman Group has in place a strong, capable and experienced management team delivering results that drive the company ahead. The company’s targeted and focused diversification over the years has helped build on its core skills and create a pervasive presence across the value chain. Vardhman Group has also collaborated with some of the best technology players in the world and developed a strong in-house technical team that plays an instrumental role in helping the company emerge as a ‘technology-forward’ entity.
TM: “Excellence across product, process and people” is a key part of your identity. How does this ethos shape the company’s culture?
SRG : At Vardhman, excellence is a habit we imbibe, small practical changes and design-evaluate-evolve to produce the product. People are synergised and nurtured with practical implementation changes, leading to an overall growth culture. With AI at doorsteps, gone are the days when we use to have practices with Industry benchmarking the next step is Industry Best Marking. At Vardhman, we follow Involve to Evolve culture the basic motto where all strata are equally involved in brainstorming session for decision making are equally praised and appreciated for their contributions. People actively seek out better ways to operate by revisiting the processes though open mind convex lenses, leading to enlarge picture of their work. The synergies and partnerships are keeping us abreast with technological up gradation and bringing industry 4.0 to workplace.
TM: Could you highlight one or two major milestones in Vardhman’s history that were transformational for the business?
SRG : Apart from many successful milestones one of the pivotal was entry in Fabric business. In 1992 entry of Vardhman group in fabric business is one of the Major shift from being primarily upstream spinning business to being full value-chain in player in textiles. Opened up new avenues and strengthened groups positioning with serving more demanding and value-added segments.
TM: Vardhman spans several product segments, including yarns, fabrics, acrylic fibres, threads and special steels. Could you outline each of these and the technologies underlying them?
SRG : Vardhman operates across five key segments—Yarns, Fabrics, Acrylic Fibres, Threads and Special Steels—supported by advanced, integrated technologies. We use automated spinning and vortex systems for yarns, modern air-jet and rapier looms with continuous dyeing and finishing for fabrics and wet/dry spinning for acrylic fibres. Our thread units ensure shade accuracy through precision dyeing and the steel division uses electric arc and ladle refining furnaces for alloy production. Across all units, we focus on automation, quality consistency and sustainability, ensuring technological excellence and reliability at every stage.
TM: On the fabrics business: what key process technologies or finishing capabilities help Vardhman deliver high‐quality, global‐standard fabrics?
SRG : In our fabrics division, quality is driven by state-of-the-art continuous processing and finishing technologies. We use continuous bleaching, mercerizing and dyeing ranges along with digital and rotary printing and sanforizing for dimensional stability. Our finishing lines offer advanced effects such as peach, wrinkle-free, moisture management and easy-care finishes, meeting international brand requirements. We continuously invest in automation, online shade control and eco-efficient processes, ensuring every fabric meets global standards of consistency, feel and sustainability.
TM: In the yarn segment, how does Vardhman maintain quality and consistency across large volumes (e.g., 2,40,000 MT of yarn annually) in a vertically‐integrated environment?
SRG : At Vardhman, yarn quality and consistency are ensured through end-to-end integration, automation and strict process control. We employ advanced spinning technologies like compact, vortex and ring spinning, supported by real-time monitoring and automated material handling systems. Every stage—from fibre selection to winding—is digitally tracked, with lab testing and online quality checks ensuring uniform parameters across large volumes. This integration allows us to maintain reliability, traceability and consistent performance even at a scale of over 2,40,000 MT annually
TM: How is Vardhman incorporating sustainable fibres like bamboo, banana and hemp to develop innovative and eco-friendly fabrics that meet future textile industry demands?
SRG : Sustainability is central to our innovation journey. We are actively developing fabrics using renewable and biodegradable fibres such as bamboo, banana, and hemp to reduce our environmental footprint. These fibres are being integrated into our product development pipeline for apparel and home textiles. Our R&D teams are focused on blending natural and man-made fibres to create modified, high-performance and eco-conscious materials that cater to the evolving expectations of both global brands and consumers.
TM: What are Vardhman’s core markets (domestic and export) and how do customer expectations differ across these geographies?
SRG : Vardhman serves both domestic and international markets, supplying leading apparel brands, retailers and garment manufacturers across Asia, Europe and the U.S. In the domestic market, customers value speed, flexibility and cost efficiency, while global clients emphasize consistent quality, compliance, sustainability and traceability. Our vertically integrated setup allows us to balance both expectations—delivering agile service to domestic buyers and meeting the stringent global standards required by international brands.
TM: With the textiles industry evolving rapidly (sustainability, fast fashion, technical textiles), how does Vardhman drive innovation in products and processes?
SRG : Vardhman caters to both domestic and international markets, serving leading apparel brands, retailers and garment manufacturers across Asia, Europe and the U.S. While domestic customers seek speed, flexibility and cost competitiveness, global clients demand unwavering quality, sustainability and compliance. Our vertically integrated operations enable us to effectively balance both sets of expectations—delivering agility for the domestic market while consistently meeting international performance and sustainability standards
TM: Could you give an example where Vardhman used an innovation (material, process or business model) to meet a specific market need?
SRG : One example is our development of eco-friendly, performance-orientated fabrics in response to rising global demand for sustainable materials. We introduced low-liquor dyeing, digital printing and chemical recycling systems that reduce water, energy and chemical use while maintaining superior shade consistency and hand feel. This innovation not only met international sustainability expectations but also strengthened Vardhman’s position as a technology-driven, responsible supplier to leading global brands.
TM: Vertical integration (from fibre → yarn → fabric → garments) is a strategic strength. How does Vardhman leverage this in its business strategy?
SRG : Vertical integration is central to Vardhman’s strategy—it gives us complete control over quality, cost, and delivery timelines across the value chain from fibre to fabric. By integrating spinning, weaving, processing, and garmenting, we achieve better traceability, faster turnaround and consistent product performance. This structure also enables innovation and customization for our customers while ensuring operational efficiency and sustainability—key pillars of Vardhman’s long-term growth strategy.
TM: What are the key challenges in running a large, integrated textile business and how has Vardhman addressed them?
SRG : Managing a large, integrated textile operation involves challenges in supply chain coordination, quality consistency, energy efficiency and workforce management. At Vardhman, we address these through automation, digital monitoring systems and process standardization across all units. We’ve also invested in renewable energy, skill development and lean manufacturing to enhance productivity and sustainability. This integrated, technology-driven approach ensures operational stability and continuous improvement across the entire value chain.
TM: How does Vardhman balance cost competitiveness with high‐quality and sustainability in a global market context?
SRG : We balance cost, quality, and sustainability through process optimization, automation and smart resource management. Our continuous investment in energy-efficient machinery, water recycling, and chemical optimisation helps lower operational costs while meeting global sustainability norms. By combining lean manufacturing practices with rigorous quality control, we deliver high-value, responsibly produced textiles that remain cost-competitive in global markets.
TM: What factors inspired Vardhman to expand into technical textiles and man-made fabric processing with coating technologies and how does this align with the company’s long-term growth strategy?
SRG : At Vardhman, our focus has always been on anticipating market shifts and creating value through innovation. The move into technical textiles and coated man-made fabrics is driven by the growing demand for high-performance materials across sectors like automotive, medical and protective wear. We see this as a natural extension of our capabilities in yarn and fabric manufacturing. It aligns with our long-term strategy to diversify, adopt advanced processing technologies and strengthen our global competitiveness.
TM: Has Vardhman adopted any advanced manufacturing technologies (automation, sensors, data analytics) to boost productivity, quality and efficiency?
SRG : Along with nurturing and honing the skills of people, Vardhman believes in change management and upgrading with technology to cater for the latest demands of customers. We have installed Automatic dyes and chemical dispensing systems with state-of-the-art technology where there is minimal or no human involvement. This provides the precision to produce and reproduce the same product over the years, boosting the confidence and faith of customers. With Industry 4.0, we have IIOT installed for real-time data capturing and evaluating Analytics with A.I. to have better precision at the process level. To improve productivity, we have virtual libraries and system-generated insights for improving our processes. A variety of tools and methodologies Six Sigma, Lean, TPM, PDCA, QC are used to continuously improve and upgrade existing processes.
TM: In fabrics and finishing processes, what advanced control systems or equipment are used (for example, for dyeing, finishing, processing) to maintain consistency and reduce waste?
SRG : Success of any process depends on how minimal your wastages are, with continuous dosing systems and precision weighing of recipes, wastages are kept at its lowest. We are constantly evaluating our processes and systems so as to have no or minimum impact of fast-changing fashion. With every new fibre and fabric blend to be made, technological advancements in machinery and methodology is much needed, which we are basically catering through IIOT systems. Sustainability at its behest shoves us to use the latest technologies and upgrade ourselves with current market trends. Further, the upgradation in the industry will lead to sustainability drives focusing on optimisation of energy and utility usage.
TM: How is the company preparing for next‐generation textile technologies (e.g., recycled fibres, functional fabrics, digital manufacturing)?
SRG : At Vardhman innovation focus is one of the key growth drivers, with state-of-the-art facility creation for technical textile production, the journey has thrown up a large potential untapped market. The facility has digital manufacturing and functional fabrics aspects covered, with sustainability kept at the centre stage.
TM: What are Vardhman’s growth plans over the next 3-5 years—in terms of capacity expansion, new product lines or market expansion?
SRG : Over the next 3–5 years, Vardhman aims to expand capacity across spinning, weaving and processing, supported by automation and digitalization initiatives. We’re focusing on value-added and sustainable product lines, including performance fabrics, organic blends, and recycled materials to meet evolving customer needs. On the market front, we plan to deepen our presence in global apparel hubs while strengthening domestic partnerships, ensuring balanced and sustainable growth.
TM: Sustainability and circular economy are becoming central in textiles. How does Vardhman integrate these into its long-term growth roadmap?
SRG : Sustainability is integral to Vardhman’s long-term strategy. We follow the ‘Proactively Responsible Organisation (PRO)’ framework, focusing on resource efficiency, waste reduction and circular practices. Our initiatives include water and energy conservation, chemical optimisation, renewable energy adoption and recycled fibre development. By embedding sustainability into product design, operations and supply chain, we ensure our growth remains responsible, future-ready and aligned with global circular economy goals.
TM: Are there emerging segments (for example, technical textiles, smart fabrics) that Vardhman is targeting and how?
SRG : Yes, we’re actively exploring technical and functional textiles as part of our diversification strategy. Our R&D teams are developing high-performance and smart fabric solutions, including moisture management, anti-microbial, flame-retardant and stretch finishes to serve emerging sectors like workwear, sportswear and healthcare. By leveraging our integrated manufacturing base and advanced processing technologies, we’re positioning Vardhman to capture opportunities in these value-added, innovation-driven segments.
TM: How does Vardhman ensure that its operations remain environmentally responsible (water use, energy, waste, emissions) given the scale of its manufacturing?
SRG : Environmental responsibility is built into every stage of our operations. We have invested in zero-liquid discharge effluent plants, water recycling and energy-efficient machinery across units. A growing share of our power comes from renewable and captive sources, reducing our carbon footprint. Through process optimization, waste segregation, and chemical management systems, we ensure that large-scale manufacturing remains resource- efficient, compliant and environmentally sustainable.
TM: What steps does the company take to promote workforce welfare, skill development and safe working conditions across its multiple facilities?
SRG : At Vardhman, people are central to our operations. We ensure safe, inclusive and well-equipped workplaces through strict compliance with health, safety and environmental standards. Regular training and skill development programs help employees stay updated with new technologies and best practices. We also promote employee welfare initiatives—including healthcare, education and community engagement—creating a motivated and responsible workforce across all facilities.
TM: How does Vardhman engage with communities or contribute to social development in the areas where it operates?
SRG : Vardhman actively contributes to community development through focused CSR initiatives in education, healthcare, skill training and rural upliftment. We support schools, vocational programs and healthcare camps around our manufacturing locations to improve the local quality of life. Our approach goes beyond compliance—we aim to build sustainable, self-reliant communities that grow alongside our business.