SKAAT showcases ‘Automatic Packing Robot’ at Texfair 2022

The company is also focusing on robotics and automation to enhance the status of the textile industry in India

The Skaat Group has always been known for its diverse product range. Considered a top player in the fancy yarn segment, it has made deep inroads into the market with its products such as Skaat Kaleidoscope, Skaat Texture Yarn and Skaat Eva. At the recently held Texfair 2022 trade show in Coimbatore, the company launched yet another trendsetting product – the Skaat Automatic Packing Robot. The company's stall was the cynosure of all eyes, with visitors wanting to take a closer look at the Skaat Robot. "We are very excited to launch this product. We take pride in stating that it is completely developed in-house by our team," said Managing Director Radhakrishnan.

"The new product is a result of the hard work of the team. The robot, which packs all types of cones, tools, accessories, etc., has already received enthusiastic response in the market," he added. The robot can be pre-programmed for packing and stacking into pallets or crates. It is capable of stacking the cones in a set number of layers and according to counts. Apart from the robot, the company also displayed its slub and latest platinum core machines at the exhibition. Additionally, the company's sister concern SK Associates displayed its bale plucker machine and testing equipment during the trade show.

"These products are already making a mark in the market. We have started selling good numbers," Radhakrishnan remarked. Sounding optimistic at the continuous recovery of the market, Radhakrishnan mentioned, "The early part of FY 2021-22 was a bit of a struggle. Remember, the market depends on a lot of factors such as the availability of cotton. However, by middle of May 2022 things have started looking up. We have started getting good orders. I feel that till March 2023 we will be getting good orders, particularly for exports. Let us all hope that we are nearing the end of the pandemic and everything will be on the right track."

Welcoming recent policy initiatives such as the PLI Scheme and the Mega Textile Parks Scheme, he felt that the positive impact is already being felt in the market. He added that with newer projects coming up everyone in the industry there is a chance to leverage the emerging opportunities. Radhakrishnan observed that one of the key strengths of the company has been its ability to get feedback from end-users and develop the required solutions for them. "Things such as the push for MMF have come as a blessing in disguise for companies like us," he commented.

"Earlier, everyone was into cotton. Now the trend is changing. They want to try out polyester or some modal. I recently met someone who was earlier into 100% cotton. Now they have changed into banana fibre, for which they wanted a new machine. So, we supported them. We customised some machine configuration for their need. These are all emerging opportunities for us. We have to be on our toes. We are working constantly to technologically support the customers," Radhakrishnan observed. Finally, sharing his vision for the company's future, he said: "We want to focus on robotics and automation. We feel that there is not adequate automation in the textile industry. Availability of skilled labour remains an issue. So, we want to focus on this area. You will keep hearing about our initiatives on this front in the near future."