Tuesday, November 15 2005 15:15 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangalore: Munich-based Kufner, a company specialising in development and production of interlinings for all applications in the clothing industry, announced expansion plans in India by establishing a limited liability company, a warehousing capability and technical studios with an aim to reach business volumes of US$ ten million in 2-3 years.

Kufner's revenues in India currently stands at around US$ 1.5 million per annum but the new distribution and service subsidiary in Bangalore will be structured for a business volume in excess of US$ 10 million in 2-3 years, Managing Director of Kufner, Dominik Kufner, told reporters here.

He said it has a technical studio in Chennai; it plans to set up technical studios in Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore.

Noting that main growth areas in the past years in India have been the men's wear and ladies wear sector, Kufner said the strategies would now focus on making a comprehensive range of top quality interlining products available to the Indian clothing industry and providing the service functions needed to help in their correct application.

Kufner executives said the company perceives India as one of the largest opportunities alongside China in the global garment and fashion industry in the post-quota regime.

Asked if the company has plans to set up a manufacturing base in India, Kufner said it's always a possibility but does not see it happening in the immediate future; the company is now focused on completing such a unit in China. For setting up a manufacturing base, the company needs sales of 20 million metres of interlinings per year.

The family-owned company was established in 1862 and currently has a topline of US$ 200 million.