Mafatlal Shifts Focus: Institutional contracts fuel massive export apparels push
26 November 2025, Mumbai
Mafatlal Industries Ltd. (MIL), a cornerstone of India's textile sector with a 120-year legacy, is executing a transformative strategy by aggressively scaling its garment and uniform exports through its new venture, Mafatlal Apparel Exports (MAE). This pivot transforms the company from primarily a textile and institutional fabric supplier to a fully integrated global apparel solutions provider. The timing is buoyed by Mafatlal’s robust domestic institutional business, which drove a 57% year-on-year revenue surge in the first half of fiscal year 2026, reaching ₹2,269.90 crore.
Asset-Light model drives global outreach
The move is a strategic response to India’s ambitious goal of reaching $100 billion in textile and apparel exports by 2030. Unlike traditional textile expansion, MAE is adopting an asset-light model, leveraging Mafatlal’s reputation for quality (OEKO-TEX certified) and precision to become a reliable sourcing partner for multinational brands in everyday fashion, casual wear, and technical uniforms. According to Priyavrata Mafatlal, Managing Director, the mission is to "expand globally while retaining the integrity and workmanship that define us," utilizing their deep experience in large-scale institutional and uniform contracts—a major recent growth driver with orders supplying millions of garments across multiple Indian states.
Challenges in a competitive landscape
Despite the strong domestic performance and robust order book (valued at around ₹900 crore), Mafatlal must navigate a highly competitive global market where Indian exporters face challenges from lower-cost rivals like Bangladesh and Vietnam, which enjoy preferential trade access. By anchoring the export focus in sustainability and innovation (like speciality flame-retardant and anti-microbial fabrics), the company aims to command a premium and establish a durable niche, reinforcing the 'Make in Bharat for the World' philosophy while combining heritage strength with modern, global supply chain demands.
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