Anurag Soni: Navigating the Textile Industry Seas with Sangam India Ltd

In the early 1980s, as policy reforms were reshaping India’s business landscape, Ram Pal Soni, an engineer with the Public Works Department, seized the opportunity to enter the burgeoning textile industry. With an investment of Rs 20 to 25 lakh, he founded Sangam India Ltd in 1984, initially starting with eight weaving machines. Today, Sangam India stands tall as one of the textile industry’s leading players, boasting an impressive annual turnover of Rs 1,363 crore.

The Genesis of Sangam India:

The textile industry presented a lucrative prospect for entrepreneurs during the early 1980s, thanks to India’s policy reforms. Ram Pal Soni recognized this potential and decided to bid farewell to his 9 to 5 job, embarking on a journey that would establish Sangam India Ltd.

Sangam India commenced operations with just eight weaving machines and a modest distribution network. By 1995, the company embraced backward integration, venturing into spinning with 17,280 spindles of PV dyed yarn. Over the years, the company’s expansion continued, culminating in the establishment of a 10.0 MW coal-based captive power plant in 2003.

Diverse Business Verticals:

Sangam India operates across three key business verticals. It produces synthetic fabrics for denim, manufactures synthetic and cotton yarns, and has ventured into the garment business. The company annually manufactures a staggering 30 million meters of PV fabric, 48 million meters of denim fabric, and boasts over 2.8 lakh spindles and 3,000 rotors.

Sangam India made strategic moves into the garment sector by establishing a seamless garment manufacturing facility. With 54 seamless knitting machines capable of producing five million pieces annually, this addition diversified the company’s product portfolio.

Stepping into B2C with C9 Airwear:

In 2015, Sangam India embarked on its journey into the business-to-consumer (B2C) segment with the launch of C9 Airwear, an apparel brand specializing in casual and activewear. With a presence in over 1,000 multi-brand outlets across India and major online marketplaces, C9 Airwear caters directly to consumers.

Sangam India is committed to both business and environmental sustainability. Initiatives include the installation of 5 MW solar power plants across its manufacturing units, helping reduce the textile industry’s environmental footprint. The company also operates three Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) and four Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) to minimize water contamination.

Navigating Challenges in the Textile Industry:

The Indian textile and apparel market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 13.80 percent between 2021 and 2026. However, challenges such as high export freight rates hinder the global competitiveness of the Indian textile industry. Sangam India exports to 58 countries, and Anurag Soni emphasizes the need for addressing these challenges to remain competitive on a global scale.

Expansive Future Plans:

Sangam India’s future plans include substantial expansion in various segments. The company recently approved expansion projects in its cotton yarn and seamless garment verticals, investing Rs 137.25 crore and Rs 157 crore, respectively. These projects involve the installation of 32,000 spindles in the spinning cotton unit and 106 new machines in seamless garments.

Anurag Soni, as a second-generation entrepreneur and Whole-time Director of Sangam India Ltd, is steering the company toward greater heights. His commitment to sustainability, diversification into the B2C segment, and strategic expansion plans underscore Sangam India’s unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence in the textile industry. As the textile and apparel market continues to evolve, Sangam India remains well-positioned to thrive under Anurag’s dynamic leadership.