Duratex aims to expand capacity by 2.5 mn metre

With an eye to the export market during the post-quota regime, Mumbai based Duratex Silk Mill is planning to expand its capacity by 2.5 million metre within four months, N K Agarwal, director of the company, said in Kolkata yesterday.

The company has existing manufacturing capacity of 17.5 lakh metre. While 7.5 lakh metre is marked for the domestic market while 10 lakh metre is exported.

"We are exporting to 20 countries in Europe, Middle East and the US," he said.

The company, which manufacture blended fabrics, is hoping to double export by 2005-6 after the quota regime goes away in January 2005. Back home, Agarwal said the sale could grow one and half times if VAT was introduced.

The company recorded turnover of Rs 80 crore last fiscal. This is expected to touch Rs 100 crore this year and to Rs 125 crore next fiscal.

"We attempt to create new blends with silk, viscose, polyester, cotton," Agarwal added.