About Tirupur

Tirupur

Tirupur is a textile city and one among the 9 municipal corporations in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu and is an important trade center of India. Tirupur has gained universal recognition as the leading source of Hosiery, Knitted Garments, Casual Wear and Sportswear. It is a new district. Tirupur is the Seventh largest city in Tamil Nadu and is one of the fastest developing cities in the state. Tirupur has emerged as the knitwear capital of the country in three decades.[1] Exports from Tirupur, which provides employment to over three lakh people has crossed the Rs.12,000 crore mark last year

Geography
Tirupur [Dt] is located at 11.18° N 77.25° E.[2] It has an average elevation of 295 metres (967 feet).

History
Tirupur has carved its name in the Indian history even before her independence. Tirupur Kumaran, one of the freedom fighters was killed during lathi charge when he was on a patriotic march in Kumaran road without letting down Indian national flag. It still remains as a great inspiration to its people. Another incident is that Aringar Anna, former chief minister of Tamilnadu met Thanthai Periyar for the first time in Tirupur during Periyar's campaign which is considered to be a great turnover in the Indian political history. Tiruppur, situated near Coimbatore which is "The Manchester of South India", is known by various names such as "Dollar City", "Knit City", "Cotton City" and mainly "History Centre".

Demographics
As of 2001 India census,[3] Tirupur had a population of 346,551. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. The current population of Tirupur is estimated to be over 8 lakhs. Recently the Election Commission of India has made Tirupur as a parliamentary constituency and split the Tirupur assembly constituency into Tirupur South and Tirupur North. Tirupur municipal corporation came in to existence on January 1,2008.

Tirupur has an average literacy rate of 76%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 82%, and female literacy is 69%. In Tiruppur, 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Economy
Tirupur is the "Knitwear capital" of India. Tirupur contributes to a huge amount of foreign exchange in India. It has spurred up the textile industry in India for the past three decades. Its economic boom boosts the morale of Indian industrialists. Great thing about Tirupur economy is that it is ever growing.

It was estimated that the export worth of Rs.12,000 Crores achieved by Tirupur in the year ending 2007. And the production from Tirupur for domestic needs stood at Rs.4000 Crores.

Industry
Although Tirupur is a small city compared to Coimbatore, it is the centre of Tamil Nadu's cotton knitwear industry and successfully markets its products in India and overseas. It is one of the most fastest growing city in India in terms of Industry.[4] It is called the Knits Capital of India as it caters to famous brands and retailers from all over the world. Nearly every international knitwear brand in the world has a strong production share from Tirupur.

It has a wide range of factories which export all types of Knits fabrics and supply garments for Kids, Ladies, Men's garments - both underwear and tops. The city is known for its hosiery exports and provides employment for about 300,000 people.
Some of the world's largest retailers including Walmart, Switcher, Diesel, ARMY, Tommy Hilfiger, M&S, FILA, H&M, HTHP, Whale, Reebok, VALUE, PitStop, 100% import many textiles items and clothing from Tirupur. There are many export Houses in Tirupur successful and fast growing like Eastman Exports , PGC Industries-Prem Durai Exports (Prem Groups), RBR , SCM , SP , Poppys . A large market for export reject pieces also exists centered in the khaderpet locality close to the railway station.

Even though the city is very prosperous, the infrastructure is very minimal. The city grew very quickly due to the high demand for manufacturing for the popular clothing brands mostly in the U.S. and Europe. But the modern machinery used and the availability of skilled labour enabled this city to prosper and be competitive internationally. The lack of infrastructure facilities comparatively for the forigen exchange which the city brings is a big negative point to be noticed. The Tirupur Exporters Association (TEA) and other associateions are taking actions directly to get some sort of facilities done (like the third water scheem and NAP).

Tirupur is also known for its companies which have achieved major certificates and is showing an average growth of 40% per year since 1990.[5]
The association formed by the Exporters of tirupur (TEA) is one of the most successful association in India trying hard and been successful in helping the trade in tirupur.

New Tirupur is a small new town (Industrial Park) growing in tirupur formed and working as NAP by the exporters . Its an appropriate example for the future of Tirupur.

Landmarks
The landmark of Tirupur is the Noyyal river which divides the city into two halves, the north and the south, The railway bridge over railway station, Tirupur Kumaran memorial statue near railway station, Town hall, Corporation memorial pillar (with Globe on its top). The school jevabay higher.sec.school has the India's second largest number of students studying .It is remarkable that it is a school for girls.

Transport
The nearest international airport is at Coimbatore. Kumaran road is the busiest road in city while Avinashi road, Palladam road, Kangeyam road, Dharapuram road, Mangalam road, PN Road, Uthukuli road, College road are the arterial roads of the city. The business district is located near the old bus terminal area, but it is slowly expanding to the north. Tirupur also has a railway station and two bus terminals. Tirupur is well connected by trains to Coimbatore, Bangalore, Chennai, New Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Kochi, Mangalore, Nogerkoil, Kumbakonam, Madurai, Vellore and Trivandrum. Most of the tourists spots in Kerala And Tamil Nadu are just two to three hours drive from Tirupur viz. Kodaikanal, Ooty, Coonoor, Pollachi Topslip, Neliyampathy, Valparai, Kothagiri and Palani.

Tirupur is well connected by moffusil bus services to Coimbatore, Erode, Mettupalayam, Pollachi, Udumalpet, Bangalore, Mysore, Kollegal, Ooty, Coonoor, Kothagiri, Gudalore, Sathiamangalam, Gobichettipalayam, Chennai, Trichy, Devakkottai, Ariyalur, Tanjore, Nogerkoil, Kumbakonam, Madurai, Tirunelveli, Virudhunagar, Theni, Cumbum, Rameswaram, Tiruchendur, Chidambaram, Tiruvannamalai, Hosur, Salem, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Palani, Dharapuram, Karur, Tiruvarur, Kodaikanal, Valparai, Podi, Tirupathy, Vellore, Palghat, Tiruchur and Guruvayur.

Tirupur Exporters Association

Tirupur Exporters Association
Popularly known as TEA - was established in the year 1990. This is an Association exclusively for exporters of cotton knitwear who have production facilities in Tirupur. From the modest beginning TEA has grown into a strong body of knitwear exporters. Today, TEA has a membership of 658 Life members and 155 Associate Members. The members of the Association, from the beginning, have resolved to develop their organization focusing on
Multilateral growth of knitwear industry and exports
Development of infrastructural needs for Tirupur.
Implementation of schemes for the benefit of the socity and public
Promotion of constructive co-operation with workers with fair division of rewards
General upliftment of quality of life of Tirupur. For Foreign Buyer TEA:-
Offers conferencing and secretarial services
Helps in Locating suitable suppliers
Helps in resolving disputes.

Knitwear Industry in Tirupur

KNITWEAR INDUSTRY IN TIRUPUR

KNITWEAR INDUSTRY IN TIRUPUR Tirupur is a textile town in Coimbatore District of Tamil Nadu and is popularly known as Banian City / Knit City. Tirupur is situated at 50 Kms. East of Coimbatore and the Municipal area of town is spread over 27.20 Sq.Kms. with a population of around 7.00 lakhs. Tirupur is a Centre for cotton market and Cotton Ginning Factories. Though Cotton Trading and Ginning operations has shrunk, Tirupur is still a popular market for unginned cotton.Tirupur is a textile town where commerce precedes everything.

Tirupur's gain stem from its performance in technology and the quality of its macro economic environment. It also derives much of its ascent from improved perception of its public service. Buyers from 35 countries frequently visits Tirupur regularly. Tirupur can deliver customized samples in less than12 hours; half a million pieces in a matter of days. 56% of India's total knitwear exports come from Tirupur. No doubt, the Export Import Policy of 2002-07 makes laudable tribute to Tirupur for its contribution to the export efforts and calls it a 'Town of Export Excellence' The rich availability of Raw materials, being in close proximity to Coimbatore which is a major centre of cotton spinning industry in the Country makes Tirupur being able to access its basic raw materials quickly and as and when required; the strong entrepreneurial élan and personalized management contributes to efficient management of negotiations and direct control of operations causing cost effective competitiveness of the Industry; quick delivery and quality products add dimension to the Tirupur's prowess as a centre to outsource excellent products.

INDIA KNIT FAIR The India Knit Fair, the India's biggest exposition on Knit Garments and the India Knit Fair is now at the centre stage of leading International Garment Fairs in the world. The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) in co-ordination with Tirupur Exporters' Association (TEA) has formed a society called 'INDIA KNIT FAIR ASSOCIATION' under the leadership of Shri A.SAKTHIVEL, and constructed a Complex of international standard called 'INDIA KNIT FAIR COMPLEX'. The first ever India Knit Fair was organised in 1995. Each India Knit Fair adopts its theme from the seasons, namely, Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter and depicts the trends being followed in that particular season. Since this India Knit Fair has already attained the International Fame and with these type of wide publicity the response for the fairs was extremely good. During the fair time, Fashions Shows is also being organised. When you visit the IKF you can be sure to feel the winds of fashions set to sweep the 21st Century. As the trend setting fashion show, that will be a Welcome break for the business matters.
IKF-ACMATEX FAIR The IKF-Acmatex fair will offer latest fashion trends in color, designs and fabrics for all seasons to the exhibitors as well as visitors to develop their collection for the international buying season, most attractively. Further, this fair has been timed to match the active product development and sourcing seasons of the exporters, buying offices as well as foreign buyers. The exhibition will be held regularly at centrally air conditioned IKF Complex at Tirupur. Accessories, Materials and Trend Exposition Fair being held annually during January. The exhibition will be spread over to two halls. Some of the biggest names in international fashion, some of the world's leading fashion labels and most of India's reputed fashion designers, buyers and dealers in India will confluence at Tirupur for one-to-one interaction with local hosiery accessory manufacturers. So we will get to showcase the trimmings and embellishments like buttons, interlinings, elastics, appliqués, threads, labels and fasteners to the entire world. Around 2500 Nos.of visitors represents about 1200 No.of firms from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra , Rajasthan, Gujarat and New Delhi have visited the fair during all the three days, which speaks of optimum strength and prominence of the fair. A Short Film with a pride that the IKFA has come out with consolidation on Tirupur Knitwear Industry through CD-ROM which envisages on the areas like availability of infra structural facilities and advance technology, etc. for disseminating information on Tirupur Knitwear Industry and project of image of India Knit Fair alike / on 'TIRUPUR KNITWEAR INDUSTRY'
APPAREL PARK
A direct initiative of the Tirupur Exporters' Association is to promote a state-of-the-art Netaji Apparel Park at Tirupur spread over a sprawling 220-acre land in the Avanashi-Perumanalloor National Highway, New Tirupur. 65 units will set up their facilities here. The power for these units will be provided by captive power plant having a capacity of 4 MW. Half a million liters of water will be supplied to the Park by NTADCL. It will have aside from the units, green belt, R&D facilities, Auditorium, Conference Halls, Buyers lounge, Working Women's hostel, etc. This Park is expected to become operational by September 2004.
It is the first of its kind promoted by the local entrepreneurs in the whole of India while all the other Apparel Parks are 100% sponsored by the State Government.
Tirupur, a developing township has already acquired high ranking status and established its prominent existence in the world market. Tirupur is one of the largest foreign exchange earner of the nation earning Rs.5000 crores through 7000 units and provided ample employment opportunity to around 6 lakh people.
It is learnt from the reliable sources that first hosiery factory with hand-operated machines was set up in 1935 and for more than 30 years they were producing mainly grey and bleached banians.
It is in the late 60s that the Industry slowly diversified towards manufacturer of other inner garments. The strength of Hosiery Industry in Tirupur in 1961 was 200 Units.During 1970's this town was mainly producing under garments. Viz., banians and underwears consumed largely by the domestic market. Fortunes took dramatic turn in the early 1980's when Tirupur suddenly woke up to launch its entry into its export arena. Early in the 80s, export of knitwear, mainly basic T-Shirts were made in small quantities. Export of other items of knitwear gained momentum from 1985 onwards.

With a beginning of Rs.19 Crores in the year 1985, exports of knitwear from Tirupur rose to Rs.3937 crores during the year 2003. In the late 80s, Knitwear Industry diversified very quickly and took up manufacture and export of other outer garments Viz. Cardigans, Jersey, Pullovers, Ladies Blouses, Dresses and Skirts, Trousers, Nightwear, Sportswear and even Industrial wear, with the commendable interest shown by the Entrepreneurs and with the support from the Government in the form of higher investment limit allowed for ancillary industrial undertakings including Hosiery Industry to avail facilities of SSI Units. With this impressive growth over a period of about two decades, Tirupur has emerged as the Country's highest knitwear Export Centre. In terms of quantity also there has been a parallel growth pattern. Having exported 172 lakh pieces in the year 1985 the number of pieces exported during the year 2003 stands out at a gigantic figure of 3704 lakhs pieces.
This dramatic transformation of Tirupur from domestic market to international market is mainly attributed to the fact that most of western countries started disbanding their garments manufacturing due to pollution and high cost of labour. Concurrently, the Asian Tigers Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea started moving to hi-tech areas thus enabling Tirupur to capitalize the opportunity of penetrating into the European Market.

Besides, knitwear units catering for exports and local markets, there is a large number of other ancillary any supporting industrial units operating for manufacture of elastic tapes, cartons, printing of labels, polythene bags and other packing materials.

The main reason for the successful phenomenal growth rate in exports of knitwear items from Tirupur over a period of about two decades, ultimately goes to its export culture, which is not found anywhere else and also due to the following:-
- Easily availability of Hosiery yarn- Availability of cheap/rural labours- Flexible attitude of entrepreneurs in meeting demands of the buyers as for size of the order is not constraint one.

The composition of the knitwear industry in Tirupur is broadly classified as under as per the analysis/data provided by Tirupur Exporters' Association:
Knitting and / or stitching units
2500
Dyeing and / or bleaching units
750
Printing Units
300
Embroidery units
100
Other (compacting, raising, Calendering)
200

INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITIES IN TIRUPUR
In order to augment the export of knitted garment an Inland Container Depot was opened in Tirupur.
A Knitwear Fashion Institute in collaboration with National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) and TEA-NIFT has been set up to conduct diploma courses and certificate courses with a duration of 3 years and one year respectively. 300 students are admitted each year in the institute. Short-term courses with a duration of one month to 3 months are also offered to the persons already employed in the industry.
In its endeavour to produce excellent work, AEPC has set up an AEPC-SITRA Knitwear Service Centre, which has been functioning in Tirupur. It offers services such as testing of samples of various quality entrepreneur development programmes, imparting training in various disciplines of garment manufacturing, etc.
New Tirupur Area Development Agency, a joint venture company with equity participation from the State Govt., Central Government, Industrial Leading and Financial Services (IL &FS) and Tirupur Exporters' Association came into being for the purpose of promoting infrastructure facilities in Tirupur.Its is matter of deep satisfaction that the knitted sector of the garment industry which traditionally was a laggard, has become aware of the changes taking place in the domestic and international arena and has already geared itself to seize the opportunities that present themselves to this sector. This is evident from the growth of this sector during the decade as compared to the overall growth of the garment industry.

FASHION IN KNITWEAR INDUSTRY
Knitwear industry has clearly identified the definition of fashion meaning thereby combination of many things put together and corresponds to feeling of something. Fashion is mainly dependable on industry and society in a probationary manner. Creation of hi-style and value added knitted garments are instrumental in driving out the value-hidden stuff of the knitwear exporters with a motive that it reaches the intending onlookers who believe in right choice of selection.

PRESENT SCENARIO
Export of knitwear products from Tirupur has recorded a growth, both in quantity and value in terms of US Dollars during calendar year 2003 compared to the previous calendar year. Tirupur exported 370 million pieces worth $ 793 million of knitwear products during the year 2003 compared to 349 million pieces valued at $ 667 million shipped during the year2002.
Tirupur's contribution to the total value of readymade garment exports (woven and knitted) from the country went up during the 2003 compared to 2002. Meanwhile exports for the 2004 calendar from the knitwear town looks positive.

CHANGING THE SCENARIO
Knitting industry in Tirupur has emerged as a premier supplier of value added items earning high foreign exchange. For the past 6 years, there was a phenomenal change in technology and large number of sophisticated computerized knitting and embroidery machines, full fledged processing units, individual machines, compacting machines and other machinery required in knitwear manufacturing have been imported. Moreover exporters have started concentrating on value added products and high unit value realisation.