Recognising the need of powerloom sector, SASMIRA has created two Powerloom Service Centres [PSCs] and a Computer Aided Design Centre at Bhiwandi.

Bhiwandi is about 30 kilometers from Mumbai, with a very large concentration of powerloom. Estimated strength of loomage here is about 5.0 lakhs. Annual turnover of this sector is estimated to be around Rs. 10,000 Crore annually.

Bhiwandi was originally a handloom centre and during ’60s it started converting itself into powerloom centre. During early ’80s powerlooms in Bhiwandi increased substantially due to strike in the mill sector of Mumbai. Most of the looms in Bhiwandi are old, discarded looms from mill sector. Most of the units are with less than 16 looms. Majority of the looms produce shirtings and dress materials. There are about 20 process houses in the vicinity of Bhiwandi with a capacity to process about 10% of the fabric produced in Bhiwandi. It also has several units for back processes like fancy yarn manufacturing and sizing units etc. Most of the fabric produced here is aimed at lower and lower middle income bracket of indigenous consumption. However, presently this industry is trying to enter export market.

SASMIRA PSCs are equipped with testing facilities, pilot plants and classrooms. Following services are provided to the industry:

• Technical consultancy for improving quality and productivity.
• Technical testing facility for fibre, yarns, fabrics, dyes, chemicals and auxiliaries etc.
• Technical training for weavers, jobbers, designers and entrepreneurs.
• Market surveys, marketing and export guidance.
• Modernisation and project proposal formulation.

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