Active Clothing Co has initiated a comprehensive manufacturing expansion program for FY 2027, securing a contract for 106 fully computerized flat knitting machines from China-based Ningbo Cixing Co. The strategic procurement targets both its flat-knitted sweaters division and circular knits T-shirt operations, designed to accommodate rising retail demand from domestic and international client portfolios. This latest acquisition expands the company's existing Cixing fleet by roughly 65 per cent, complementing its robust machinery inventory that already features 210 Shima Seiki and 119 Stoll units. Industry analysts note, augmenting high-tech automated machinery allows mid-sized apparel producers to protect operating margins against persistent input cost inflation. Scaling automated production infrastructure is essential for Indian manufacturers aiming to shorten lead times and meet exacting global quality benchmarks," observes Vikram Malhotra, Senior Textiles Analyst, Apex Market Research.
Balancing financial performance with strategic capital outlays
The aggressive capacity enhancement follows a stable financial performance for FY26, during which the company posted a net profit of Rs 100.5 crore on a total revenue of Rs 3,164.4 crore.
Although operating margins faced minor compression due to competitive pricing pressures across the domestic retail sector, effective debt management and reduced interest obligations helped bolster bottom-line expansion. Alongside the machinery rollout, management recently commissioned a 1-MW solar power system at its main plant to curb conventional energy expenses and fulfill corporate sustainability mandates. Phased installation of the new knitting units through FY27 is expected to optimize factory throughput, reduce material wastage, and strengthen the firm's competitive standing within the evolving apparel manufacturing landscape.
Most prominent design-to-shelf apparel producer
Active Clothing Co. designs, manufactures, and markets readymade garments, including flat-knitted sweaters, jackets, and circular-knitted apparel. Operating primarily across India, the enterprise supplies prominent retail brands and targets steady top-line growth through advanced automation and retail scaling. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Mohali, Punjab, the company has evolved into one of the country's prominent integrated design-to-shelf apparel producers.
