The value added products deliverables by Bata would also ensure the procurement of the components in short lead-time, in time, every time.

The change in distribution network would again seek component manufacturer for the customer driven and make there after sales support very critical. The footwear component manufacturers need to work hand in hand with the changing face of Bata to be more quality driven and quick in the response for the client's needs.

IFCOMA : How do you see your future business in comparison to international market, product mix and designing and how this change would be affecting component industry ?

SJD : I see a great opportunity in the booming Indian market. 70% of Bata sales are to men's wear while ladies footwear is increasing in a very rapid rate. Compared to consumption of 4 pairs per ladies in the UK, the Indian ladies footwear has an ample scope of growth. With its importation of the finished ladies footwear, the Company foresees sourcing of the products in India in the near future. The footwear component in the ladies segment needs to be more quality driven and responsive to the changing design. I also recommend that the footwear component manufacturers would work in tandem with the Company as the Company is sourcing almost all its accessories from Indian suppliers. It is further interesting to note that the Company is sourcing high technological advanced accessories to reduce its dependence on importation. We have reduced imports of moulds in last 2 years, as the Indian mould makers are more competitive and quite responsive to the timely delivery. There is a great opportunity for the shoe designers in Bata. The Company spends good money and time in bringing in new value added products in Indian market. Though the designing is mostly done in our design center in Padova, Italy, the Company is looking for sourcing the designing from Indian market in future.

IFCOMA : How had been your experience with Indian footwear component suppliers ?

SJD : With less than 1% sales return, I support that the Indian footwear industry and the component manufactures have become more quality conscious. With good quality and cost competitiveness, we also seek assistance from the component manufacturers in timely delivery and quick response to our needs.

IFCOMA : What is your advise to component industry ? How do you think IFCOMA can be of help ?

SJD : For the long-term benefits and growth for the footwear component manufacturers, I recommend component manufacturers to spend resources on R&D and technology to upgrade their infrastructure. Adoption of technology in the component industry would be beneficial and is advised to work in close association with the shoe manufacturers for the further development of the products. Since the shoe industry is quality and customer driven, the component manufacturers also need to be same to its clients.

IFCOMA, through their channel, can educate and communicate to their members the need of the hour. They can bring their members in common fold and can generate a one-to-one discussion with shoe manufacturers like ourselves on ways to work together to make our business grow.

IFCOMA : How do you see the challenge from international competition ?





SJD : Though the current exports of Bata is less than 3 million pairs of shoes, I foresee the rise in exports and India to become as a manufacturing hub in similar way as they have in other Asian countries.

China captures more than 2/3 of the world's footwear industry, while Indian comes way below fifth in the world trade.

Moreover, the basic raw material for footwear still needs an improvement as we import suede, synthetic and other varieties of leather from China and other Asian nations.I believe the focus area should be the quality and timely delivery and meeting your commitments.

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