In a significant milestone for the textile sector in Vidarbha, Ramdas Athawale Spinning Mill at Digras has exported its first consignment of cotton thread to China, marking the beginning of its entry into the international market. Two containers carrying 41 tonnes of thread recently left the mill for China after the product successfully met international quality standards. The development is being seen as a major achievement for the region’s textile industry and a boost to local employment. The spinning mill currently produces 10 to 12 tonnes of thread daily and provides employment to more than 200 workers from Digras and neighbouring areas.

 

The workers are employed in two shifts, supporting the livelihoods of hundreds of families. Although the mill has permission to operate 25,000 spindles, only 16,500 are presently functional. The management expects employment opportunities and production capacity to increase substantially once all spindles become operational. According to the management, the quality of thread manufactured at the mill attracted buyers from across the country before receiving international recognition. A team of experts from China first conducted quality tests in Mumbai and later inspected the production facility at Digras.

 

After the thread passed all quality parametres, the Chinese buyers confirmed the export order. The export consignment was flagged off after a traditional puja performed by mill president Mahendra Mankar and other directors in the presence of Prof Madhukar Waghmare, Avinash Kuldipke, Dharmaraj Gaikwad, General Manager L R Behra, officials, directors and workers. Speaking to The Hitavada, Mahendra Mankar expressed gratitude to Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Yavatmal Guardian Minister Sanjay Rathod for their support in establishing the mill. He credited the directors, officials and workers for maintaining high production standards and assured that the mill would continue to focus on quality and expansion. The export marks a new chapter for Digras, strengthening its presence in the global textile trade while creating new opportunities for the region’s economy.