Samsonite plans travel goods line

Samsonite, the $1.2 billion global player in travel bags, is in a revamp mode as it plans to introduce its non-luggage portfolio in India, in an attempt to emerge as the complete travel guide.

The company, which launched 'Samsonite' branded shoes last year, will introduce travel-related eyewear and watches in India.

According to Subrata Dutta, the company's chief operating officer, the company, "We will also introduce our entire range of Timberland products this year. It's the same luggagewear offerings, only more sporty, targeting the youth," Dutta said.

The company is investing Rs 50 crore into expanding capacity at its factory in Nashik, to take the total manufacturing capacity to 1,50,000 pieces per annum, from 1 lakh pieces at present.

Currently, the Nashik factory manufactures 1 lakh pieces of hard luggage, which are essentially plastic moulded luggage.

The soft luggage, like the ones made of nylon cloth, backpacks, etc, are currently imported, but plans are afoot to engage third-party manufacturers in India to make soft-luggage.

About 80 per cent of the company's products manufactured at its Nashik plant are imported.