Global luggage manufacturer and retailer Samsonite is planning to have its largest manufacturing unit in India by further expanding the capacity of its factory in Nashik, Maharashtra. Two other units of the company are in Belgium and Hungary in Europe.
The broader objective is that India meets Samsonite’s global requirement of luggage as it works on its ‘China Plus One’ strategy to deal with supply chain disruptions, said Jai Krishnan, CEO, India at Samsonite South Asia Pvt. Ltd.
“The unit at Nashik will be Samsonite’s biggest manufacturing base in this year itself. In the last two years, we had invested ₹150 crore to double production capacity to cater to local demand. Now, we are planning to invest another ₹100 crore to further expand capacity at the same location,” said Mr. Krishnan.
“The Indian unit will meet the long-term requirement of Samsonite globally,” he said.
The next round of expansion involving the installation of 10 machines and eight more assembly lines would be ready for production in January 2024, Mr. Krishnan said.
He said the demand for the company’s products were growing in India due to the pent-up demand and for travel related to weddings and for leisure. The growth in the first six months of 2022 was 109% as compared with the first half of the previous year.
“In 2022, we are expected to grow by 35% as compared to our best year ever. 2023 will be the better than this year and this trend will continue for one and half years. Indian market has rebounded faster than expected,” he added.
Meanwhile, the company announced the introduction of Magnum Eco, a durable, lightweight luggage collection made from recycled material.
“The Magnum Eco range help reduce carbon footprint while ensuring high performance and durability. The launch represents a significant innovation advance for the luggage sector and advances Samsonite’s efforts to become the most environmentally conscious manufacturer of travel and lifestyle goods,” the company said.
As many as 483 yoghurt cups and 14 plastic bottles worth of recycled plastic trash are used to a create Large Magnum Eco luggage.
“Sustainability is built into our 112-year heritage. While products like Magnum Eco, our new range of hard-side cases made with recycled materials is a recent innovation, we have always used resources respectfully. We have always been focused on making durable, long-lasting, high-quality products and promoting product repairability as an alternative to disposal and replacement,” Mr. Krishnan added.
