KANNUR: Ezhome Apparel Park, in Kannur, is a sartorial success story. From supplying student police uniforms to lottery agents’ outfits, it has been stitching up a profitable business, producing garments with precision and quality. The tailoring unit, which began its operation in 2011 with 40 members from various Kudumbashree groups in the panchayat, has gradually carved a niche for itself in the state’s apparel sector.
Launched with an initial capital of Rs 12.8 lakh, accessed through bank loans, the unit cleared its debt within three years and now operates on a profit, which is distributed among its members. Now in its 13th year, the park has grown into a well-established organisation, producing uniforms, wedding attire and much more.
It handles orders from around 25 educational institutions in the district and supplies garments to Kudumbashree units across the state. Equipped with advanced machinery, including 26 single-needle sewing machines, the unit has expanded its product range.
During the pandemic, the park gained renown for its ‘Nightingale’ brand of nighties, introduced with backing from the District Mission. Today, it manufactures not just garments but also eco-friendly cloth bags for Supplyco, besides national flags. By offering a price advantage compared to private manufacturers, the park’s products have gained popularity at Kudumbashree’s Onam fairs and Saras Melas. Soon, its products will be made available online through Kudumbashree’s Pocket Mart platform.
The park also serves as a vocational training centre under the District Mission, churning out around 100 people across four batches coached in industrial-level stitching. Operating from a rented building owned by the Ezhome panchayat, in Kaanayi, the unit is now poised to expand its reach.
“The idea for the unit came up in 2011,” recalls Valsala E T, its secretary. “More than 100 neighbourhood group (NHG) members attended the initial meetings from all panchayat wards, including both skilled and unskilled members. After multiple discussions weighing the pros and cons, 40 members decided to take the plunge and launch the enterprise.”
Valsala also highlighted the initial challenges. “When we began, none of us knew stitching. We underwent four months of training in industrial-level stitching through the Kudumbashree Mission. In addition to the Rs 12.8 lakh bank loan, Kudumbashree provided Rs 4 lakh as capital subsidy and Rs 1.5 lakh as a revolving fund to upgrade machinery. Thanks to everyone’s efforts, we cleared the loan in just three years.”
Although Covid-19 temporarily impacted business, the apparel park is now gearing up for its next big move entering the state’s online market. With its proven track record and support from the Kudumbashree Mission, the unit is optimistic of establishing a stronger presence in Kerala’s garment industry.