Paramount Textile Mills (P) Ltd., nestled in the serene hamlet of Thirali near Madurai, Tamil Nadu, South India, stands as a beacon of empowerment. Founded in 1979 by Smt Laxmi Murugesan, daughter of the legendary Sri Kalithanthai Karumuttu Chettiar, the mill emerged as a humble weaving setup. Over 45 years, it has evolved into a world-class, vertically integrated textile powerhouse. Mr. Ram, the Managing Director, takes pride in the company’s state-of-the-art facilities across four locations, employing over 2500 people. Paramount manufactures top-notch made-ups and fabrics, gracing the shelves of discerning clients worldwide, including high-end private labels, fashion icons, e-commerce giants, and luxurious establishments.
Innovative Offerings
In a candid conversation, Mr. Ram details Paramount’s commitment to quality and innovation. The company specializes in producing fine fabrics in 100% cotton, shunning the conventional thread count approach. With specialty yarns like Giza 86, 87 & & 45, handpicked cashmere, and various organic and fair trade options, Paramount stands among the select few mills globally using ELS cotton like Sea-Island to weave fabrics as fine as 370-2. The exclusive hospitality division supplies premium bedding products, including bedsheets, pillowcases, quilted bedspreads, and filled duvets, setting a benchmark for exceptional quality and innovation. The core specialization spans high-quality cotton to alternative fiber products like Micro Modal, Tencel, Bamboo, Bemberg, Linen, Hemp, Ramie, Cotton Silk, Lyocell, and Regenerative Cotton.
With a production capacity exceeding 40 million meters per annum of fabrics and over 8 million sheet sets, Paramount’s products may be produced on a smaller scale, but they exude class and finesse.
Sharing recent developments, Mr. Ram highlights the launch of an in-house filling plant in the last financial year. This addition enables Paramount to offer filled duvets and pillows, showcasing the company’s commitment to meeting diverse customer needs. The global footprint of Paramount is noteworthy, with clientele spread across the USA, the Far East, and the Middle East. Paramount collaborates with a diverse range of customers, including retailers, e-commerce platforms, bespoke catalogs, and the hospitality industry. The company’s largest client base is in the USA, but it has an equivalent presence in the Far East and the Middle East. Paramount is associated with almost every top brand globally, and Mr. Ram hints at exciting additions in the coming year.
Distinct Advantages
Amidst intense global competition in home textiles, Mr. Ram emphasizes Paramount’s unique value proposition. The company’s core culture of empowering communities sets it apart. Early adoption of organic cotton in 2005, with certifications like GOTS and FLO CERT for Fairtrade products, reflects Paramount’s commitment to ethical practices. Transparency in manufacturing makes Paramount a preferred sourcing partner for elite brands globally. Mr. Ram shares insights into the company’s growth trajectory, with a robust 15-18% year-on-year growth, reaching a total revenue of US$55 million last fiscal year. With both front-end and backward integration, Paramount anticipates further growth in the coming year, exploring new clientele, product categories, and geographies.
Focus on Sustainability
Sustainability is ingrained in Paramount’s DNA. Mr. Ram elucidates the company’s conscious efforts to optimize resources, eliminate wastages, and engage in recycling and upcycling. Paramount’s in-house solar power generation, wind farms, water harvesting, and a gobar gas plant exemplify its commitment to environmental responsibility. Looking ahead, Paramount aims to explore unconventional resources for yarns and fabrics, envisioning a substantial contribution to its business in the coming years. Mr. Ram concludes by sharing Paramount’s bullish outlook on the future, with plans to add more clientele in overseas markets, explore opportunities for backward integration in processing fabrics, and delve into the possibilities of creating a unique brand on the domestic front.
In essence, Paramount Textile Mills, under the leadership of Mr. Ram, weaves a narrative of empowerment, innovation, and sustainable excellence, leaving an indelible mark on the global home textile industry.
