By K.Gopalakrishnan
A Landmark Entry into Odisha
In a significant milestone for India’s apparel manufacturing sector, Page Industries has inaugurated its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Ramdaspur, Cuttack, marking its first major expansion outside Karnataka. With an investment of approximately ₹750 crore, the new unit represents not just a capacity addition, but a strategic shift—positioning Odisha as a key pillar in the company’s long-term growth roadmap.
The facility was formally inaugurated by Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, underscoring the importance of the project within the state’s broader industrialisation agenda. Highlighting Odisha’s transformation, the Chief Minister stated, “Odisha is moving with purpose from promise to performance, and from potential to prosperity. What we commit, we complete.”
A Strategic Expansion Anchored in Confidence
For Page Industries, the Odisha investment marks a defining moment. Having built its manufacturing base primarily in Karnataka, the company’s decision to expand into Odisha reflects strong confidence in the state’s governance, industrial ecosystem, and workforce potential.
Managing Director V.S. Ganesh described the move as a “landmark moment” in the company’s journey, noting that Odisha now occupies a “very special place” in its future growth plans. The seamless support from the state government played a pivotal role in this decision, with the company acknowledging the efficiency and responsiveness of the administration in enabling timely project execution.
A Mega Manufacturing Hub Designed for Scale and Efficiency
The Ramdaspur facility, Page Industries’ 27th manufacturing unit, stands among the largest apparel manufacturing campuses in India. Designed for high-volume production, the plant integrates advanced capabilities across innerwear, socks, and elastic manufacturing.
Operating across three shifts, the facility reflects a high level of operational sophistication, with the ability to manage technically complex processes at scale. What is particularly noteworthy is the rapid adaptation of the local workforce, which has successfully mastered advanced machinery and production systems within a short span of time.
This ability to combine scale with efficiency positions the unit as a critical production hub for both domestic and global markets.
People-Centric Manufacturing: A Core Philosophy
Beyond scale and technology, the defining characteristic of the Odisha facility lies in its people-first approach. Page Industries has conceptualized the plant not merely as a manufacturing unit, but as an ecosystem that nurtures employee well-being, dignity, and growth.
As V.S. Ganesh emphasized, “An institution is not machines—it is a land of opportunity. It creates livelihoods, gives dignity, and fosters progress.”
The fully air-conditioned facility, complemented by extensive green spaces, is designed to enhance employee comfort and productivity. The campus includes a comprehensive range of amenities such as health centres, crèche facilities, recreation areas, gymnasiums, and relaxation spaces, reflecting a holistic approach to workforce engagement.
Empowering Women and Strengthening Communities
A standout feature of the Odisha plant is its strong emphasis on women workforce participation. A significant proportion of employees at the facility are women, many of whom are first-time entrants into industrial employment.
These employees are actively engaged across all shifts, including night operations, handling advanced manufacturing processes with efficiency and confidence. This not only reflects the company’s commitment to gender inclusion but also marks a broader socio-economic transformation in the region.
Ganesh captured this impact poignantly: “This plant is about the young women who will walk through this gate with pride… about families that find security, and children whose dreams grow bigger because a mother found dignity in work.”
By enabling employment closer to home, the facility is also contributing to reverse migration and strengthening family structures within the state.
Skill Development at the Core of Growth
A critical pillar of the project is its focus on skill development and capability building. The facility houses dedicated training and technical development centres, enabling workers to acquire specialized skills in textile manufacturing.
The speed at which the workforce has adapted to complex operations, within just a few months, highlights both the effectiveness of Page Industries’ training systems and the inherent potential of Odisha’s talent pool.
This focus on skill development aligns closely with the state’s broader vision of creating a future-ready workforce capable of supporting industrial growth at scale.
Driving Employment and Industrial Growth
The Odisha facility is expected to generate approximately 5,850 employment opportunities, making it a significant contributor to the state’s socio-economic development.
In addition, Page Industries has announced plans for a second unit at Chhatabar in Khordha, with an investment of around ₹258 crore and the potential to create 3,500 additional jobs, further reinforcing its long-term commitment to the region.
The Chief Minister highlighted the importance of such investments, noting that the textile and apparel sector holds immense potential for large-scale employment generation, particularly for women and youth.
A Beginning with Transformational Potential
The inauguration of Page Industries’ Odisha facility marks far more than the commissioning of a new manufacturing unit, it signals the beginning of a transformative journey for both the company and the state.
With its strong focus on scale, people, and capability building, the project embodies a model of industrial development that goes beyond production to create lasting social impact. As Page Industries expands its footprint in Odisha, it is not only strengthening its own growth trajectory but also contributing to the emergence of the state as a major hub for apparel manufacturing in India.
As V.S. Ganesh aptly concluded, this is “only the beginning”, a beginning that promises to create opportunities, empower communities, and redefine the future of manufacturing in Odisha.