TIRUPUR: The quota-free textile regime introduced 11 months back has created new opportunities for knitwear exporters, but also resulted in a drop in prices of garments.

Exporters are combating this by increasing production and adding value to their products - ensuring better embroidery, finish, wash and printing.

Tirupur-based machinery dealer Mehala Machines, in association with Chinese pioneer Damei, is setting up the country's first embroidery machine manufacturing unit here with an investment of Rs. 5 crore. "We will start production next week. Embroidery has become a necessary component even in the domestic market," says managing director C. Subramaniam.

Basic printing, chest printing, motif printing, high-density printing, glitter printing and rubber printing are among the methods being employed by the manufacturers to provide value addition to their products. During processing, the fabric undergoes washes such as bio wash, acid wash, golf ball wash and enzyme wash. Efforts are made to manage the moisture. Fragrance finish leaves fabric with a scent of jasmine or rose.

Tirupur Exporters' Association president A. Sakthivel says the town manufactures low, medium and high value garments and caters for all age groups. For children's garments embroidery with sequins and beads and fill and laze printing are in demand.

The Textiles Committee, through its cluster development initiative, takes efforts to increase the per garment value by introducing special fabric varieties from Korea and getting design experts from abroad.

B. Shanmuga Sundaram of RBR Garments, which specialises in high value garments, says the profit margin is slightly higher while handling high value garments. India faces competition from China in the sale of basic t-shirts but is strong in producing "value-added minimum quality pieces."

However, industry sources say Tirupur still has a long way to go to become a market leader in the field of value addition to garments.

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