In Covid times, PPE kits turn ‘lifesaver’ for garment units

Indore: Covid-19 has come as a blessing in disguise for several garment units as they diverted from the core business to the most sought-after product - Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to fight the deadly virus spread.

Many garment manufacturers operating from readymade complex in Pardeshipura making shirts, pants and other apparel switched production to PPE kits. The move saved units from closure and gave employment hundreds of jobless tailors and workers.

Amit Jain, a garment manufacturer from readymade complex said, “Garment demand had plummeted in past months as retails were completely shut due to Covid-19 induced lockdown globally. We chose to switch to PPE kits as it was doable with the experienced hands we had and infrastructure. This helped us give employment to our workers when everything was shut.”

Jain a manufacturer and supplier to many leading multinational retail brands, produced close to 65,000 PPE kits in the last three months.

According to garment makers, close to 5 lakh pieces of PPE kits must have been produced by different units in readymade complex that houses close to 70 units.

India has become a leading manufacturing hub of PPE kits surpassing demand prompting many industry bodies to demand permission for exports of PPE kits. Makers of PPE kits said despite less margin, bulk demand for protective gear kept them running in lockdown when all other businesses were shut.

Many said this helped them hold on to their valuable workers from migrating and aided them pay for running expenses.

A garment supplier Sheel Porwal said, “What is the point in continuing in garment when demand has reduced to negligible. PPE kits, masks and gloves are the new market. I have ordered bulk fabric from Panipat and Surat to manufacture PPE kits.”

Most makers said they get bulk orders for 3,000-4,000 pieces of PPE kits from across the country.

Indore Readymade Textile Dealers Association, secretary Ashish Nigam said, “Many garment units have shifted business to PPE kits because the market is up. Availability of fabric is also smooth.”

Manufacturers though demanded the government to allow exports of PPE kits as production is ample in the country.