Nestled within the illustrious Thiagarajar Group, VT Mills Limited stands tall as a beacon of excellence in the textile realm, epitomizing a legacy of quality and innovation that has transcended decades. Since its inception in 1946, this venerable institution has been a pioneer, setting soaring benchmarks in the industry through its unwavering commitment to harnessing the pinnacle of weaving technology. Today, VT Mills reigns supreme as a stalwart in the weaving domain, specializing in luxury segments and crafting exquisite fabrics with unparalleled finesse. An interview with the esteemed Mrs. Sala Kannan, illuminates the detailed weave of their factory setup, machinery prowess, and sustainability endeavors.
Enter their vast factory, where 258 looms weave together to produce 1.8 million meters of fabric every month. Among them are 80 Sulzer machines, 163 Air Jets, 9 Jacquards, and 6 Rapier Dobby Looms with POSI LENO Attachment, working in harmony to transform raw materials into a stunning array of fabrics.
Their relentless pursuit of excellence is reflected in their stringent policy of retiring machines before they reach a decade, embracing cutting-edge technologies to propel efficiency to dizzying heights. Moreover, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword here; it’s a way of life. LED lights illuminate the path to eco-consciousness, while periodic machinery upgrades not only enhance productivity but also champion energy conservation, underscoring the importance they assign towards treading lightly upon the planet.
Other sustainability efforts:
- Wind farm installed capacity 16.56 mv
- Ground mounted solar capacity 12 mv
- We maintain an 85% green cover in all our campuses that attracts a rich variety of animals, flora and fauna. We even have peacocks that come to our campus because of the abundant green cover!
- We recycle water and also do rain water harvesting
Yet, behind every state of the art machine and every meticulously crafted fabric lies the beating heart of VT Mills Limited: its workforce. Comprising over 600 skilled individuals, this dynamic ensemble of technical professionals and labor artisans are deftly suited to the company’s ethos of fostering innovation, inclusivity, and continuous growth.
Venturing into the realm of home textiles marks a strategic evolution for VT Mills, formerly a part of Thiagarajar Group, renowned for its illustrious legacy in spinning. The new division reflects a calculated move towards ascending the value chain, leveraging upon the established spinning and weaving infrastructure to diversify into the home textiles segment. This strategic pivot, spearheaded by Mrs. Kannan, whose lineage traces back to the founding of both Thiagarajar Mills and VT Mills in the 1930s, underscores a deliberate aim to tap into the higher-end market, offering a spectrum of environmentally sustainable products tailored for the discerning luxury consumer.
The product portfolio of VT Mills in the home textiles arena encompasses a sophisticated array of offerings, including sumptuous bed sheets, handpicked bath textiles such as non-terry towels, and opulent lounge wear. Exploring the synergies between fabric attributes and diverse applications, VT Mills extends its expertise to craft fabrics that exude unparalleled softness, tactile richness, and plushness, aligning seamlessly with their emphasis on sensorial refinement. These fabrics find their manifestation not only in bed linens and pillowcases but also in wearable luxuries like robes and pajamas, enriching the everyday experiences of consumers.
In a landscape teeming with Indian manufacturers, VT Mills stands out by leveraging a legacy of expertly crafted home textiles, refined over generations. Renowned for their unwavering product quality over the decades, they’ve cultivated a reputation synonymous with excellence.
Their bed sheets, adorned with thread counts ranging from 300 to 400 and beyond, stand as a testament to their steadfast commitment to luxury and unparalleled comfort. Notably, this emphasis on higher thread counts resonates deeply with their esteemed customers, consistently driving robust sales within the luxury segment.
Upholding the ethos of sustainability, VT Mills meticulously sources organic cotton, predominantly of Indian origin, while also incorporating imported fibers such as Egyptian cotton and Hemp, ensuring a harmonious blend of luxury and eco-consciousness. In terms of material composition, VT Mills strikes a balance between natural and man-made fibers, with 60 percent of their product line consisting of organic cotton, complemented by bamboo, linen, Hemp, Tencel, Modal, and blends thereof. Notably, the company demonstrates an unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship by integrating recycled materials, with 100 percent of wadding in their quilts and comforters derived from recycled sources. Moreover, VT Mills adopts a holistic approach to waste management, recycling off-cuts and remnants wherever feasible, embodying their ethos of sustainable innovation across the value chain.
As they ascend the value chain, VT Mills strategically harnesses collected data, merging profound expertise in economics and software. This fusion empowers them to conduct meticulous market analysis and precise sales forecasts. Being a Cambridge Economics graduate, Sala emphasizes the importance and the key role played by research and data within her organization. Through this strategic utilization of data-driven insights, VT Mills not only meets but exceeds the expectations of their discerning clientele, solidifying their position as an industry leader.
Reflecting on the past year, 2023 emerged as an unparalleled milestone for VT Mills’ Made Up unit, marking a zenith in their journey of success. Witnessing an exponential surge in sales, the unit experienced a staggering 26-fold-growth, catapulting them to unprecedented heights. Currently, the company’s products grace the shelves of esteemed retailers in the US and the UK, with aspirations to further expand their global footprint into new territories. The bedrock of VT Mills’ triumph lies in their meticulously crafted success mantra, underpinned by strategic partnerships with buyers and brands. By making astute choices in nurturing these relationships, the company has fortified its position as a trusted purveyor of premium home textiles. Moreover, VT Mills places paramount importance on customer service, viewing it as a cornerstone of their triumph. With Mrs. Kannan personally overseeing customer interactions, including addressing complaints and feedback, the company ensures that no stone is left unturned in optimizing the customer experience.
Looking ahead to 2024, VT Mills anticipates a year brimming with intrigue and transformation. A pivotal trend on the horizon is the burgeoning emphasis on sensorial development, as customers increasingly seek experiential products that transcend mere functionality. In response, VT Mills is poised to lead the charge in the textile industry by crafting products that offer a tactile, sensorial delight, thereby elevating the consumer experience to unprecedented heights. Furthermore, VT Mills foresees a radical simplification of the supply chain in 2024, echoing a growing sentiment among end customers for streamlined processes. Traditional models characterized by multiple intermediaries are poised to give way to a more straightforward setup, aligning with evolving consumer preferences for efficiency and transparency.
In essence, VT Mills Limited isn’t just a textile powerhouse; it’s a symphony of ingenuity, sustainability, and unwavering dedication, weaving together a brighter, more vibrant future, one exquisite fabric at a time.
“As we journey forward, our commitment remains unwavering: to epitomize excellence in every facet of our operations, from manufacturing to customer engagement.
“Our goal goes beyond business; it’s about making a positive difference in our society and our environment. We aim to deliver top-notch quality and service, leaving a mark that goes beyond just profits. It’s about continuing a legacy of excellence and positive change in everything we do.”
“My dream and hope is an inclusive and equitable society. Investing in women is the key to unlocking a healthy, prosperous community”.