Kurlon enters home furnishing

Kurlon Ltd, a Manipal Group company and manufacturers of Kurlon mattresses through its entry into the home furnishings segment aims to capture 40 per cent of the some Rs 3,500 crore market in three years.

At present the turnover of the company is under Rs 200 crore and it expects a 'quantum jump' in it after its entry into the furnishings segment.

The home furnishings segment is divided into three segments "" curtains and sofa upholstery, bed linen and bath linen and Kurlon is entering into all the segments simultaneously.

"We believe that our brand image will help us in this new venture," said Sudhakar Pai, chairman, Manipal Group. "At present there are no branded players in the curtain and upholstery segment," he added.

"The consumer is now more discerning and has a greater disposable income with them," said Jal B Khodaiji, president, marketing.

The company promises to provide unique and relevant design at affordable prices.

"Design is important in this segment and we will be extremely innovative in it," he added.

The company is also into therapeutic products and had launched spine care therapeutic products in 2003. Almost 10 per cent of the turnover comes from these products.

As part of its entry into the home furnishing segment the company is looking for 'outsourcing partnerships' and is also planning to enter the kitchen segment.