Country's US$ 23 billion worth apparel industry is set to be equipped with modern machinery and tools which garment makers believe will make their products cost-effective and enhance their ability to compete in the global market.
A number of garment makers told the FE that the latest clothing machinery mostly innovated in Germany are capable of minimising their production cost along with upgrading quality and reducing wastages.
On a visit, this scribe found the modern machinery in a number of garment factories at Savar, Ashulia and Gazipur.
The garment makers, mostly second-generation in clothing making industry, said they have replaced their existing equipment with the latest and costly machinery.
Factory owners said such types of machinery can finish production very quickly involving comparatively small number of workers.
It saves both time and labour costs significantly, they informed.
"Installation of highly efficient machinery in garment industry is now the key feature and this ensures optimal quality," managing director of Standard Group, Mosarraf Hossain told the FE.
He forecasted that the latest equipment will replace all traditional ones shortly.
"In business, minimisation of cost is a key issue. We must adopt the latest innovations to sustain in the global business," he said.
The MD of the Standard Group that had faced a devastating fire incident a few months back also said installation of such type of machinery is a top buyer's priority as well.
Samsul Alamin, general manager (production) of MC Fashion, another leading garment factory at Gazipur said his company has replaced almost 30 per cent machinery to comply with its buyers' demand and to reduce reliance on a large number of workers.
"Actually, our buyers are pushing us to install modern equipment to ensure timely shipment and better quality of RMG," Mr Alamin explained justifying the installation of the sophisticated machinery.
Mr. Alamin said scarcity of skilled sewing operators for making high-end garment in the country is also another reason for installation of such costly machinery in their factories.
"Those machinery not only save time but also reduce labour costs and upgrade quality of products," Mr. Alamin added.
MC Fashion mainly supplies critically designed jacket, suit and polo shirt to its buyers ins the USA, Europe and Japan.
However, Mr Alamin noted high-cost involving the machinery a key hurdle for their quick installation.
"But I think the cost will be compensated with fewer number of workforce and other involvements," he said.
He said buyers often remain flexible in negotiation while they find such type of machinery in the factory.
"Though the modern equipment help the exporters in many ways, sky rocketing price of the machinery is disappointing many entrepreneurs for want of funds," he added.
Jashim Uddin Khan, manager (sales and marketing) of Fairlon Group, a local agent of a number of reputed garment machinery like Brother, Pegasus and Hashima said his sale of such types of equipment has surged significantly within the last couple of years.
"The demand for new equipment is growing fast now. Earlier, the pace of sales was very slow," he added.
"We had around 79 clients till 2012 but the number has now climbed up to 150. Besides, we are expecting 40 more clients with big replacements shortly, he said.
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