1. General Introduction
Lakshmi Ring Travellers (LRT) is the world’s largest manufacturer of ring travellers, producing up to 4,500 million pieces per year. Currently, LRT serves over 4,500 spinning mills worldwide, capturing 74.3% market share in India’s textile industry and more than 40% of the international market.
LRT is the number one brand in major textile hubs such as Bangladesh, Indonesia, Turkey, and exports its products to more than 45 countries. Notably, in China, LRT holds the largest market share for imported ring travellers.
2. History and Development
LRT was established in 1974 by the founders of LMW. Initially, the company was named Lakshmi Bracker, collaborating with a Swiss company to manufacture ring travellers. However, in 1999, LRT decided to end this partnership to pursue its ambition of becoming a global enterprise. This decision propelled LRT to the top position in the global ring traveller industry.
- The first manufacturing plant was established in Hosur, near Bengaluru.
- In 1995, LRT opened its second plant in Annamalai, Tamil Nadu, to meet growing demand.
- By 2013, LRT consolidated all production activities in Coimbatore, relocating all facilities and equipment from Hosur.
3. Product Portfolio and Services
LRT provides comprehensive ring traveller solutions, suitable for all speeds, all fiber types, and all spindle designs. The company manufactures over 2,000 different ring traveller variants, featuring various profiles, sizes, finishes, edge widths, and specialized designs for Orbit spindles.
Additionally, LRT offers free technical support to guide customers in selecting the right ring travellers, improving productivity, and enhancing yarn quality. This added service has helped the company build strong customer loyalty and expand its global dealer network.
4. Distribution Network and Supply Capabilities
LRT maintains a worldwide network of dealers, ensuring optimal inventory levels to guarantee swift delivery:
- Ships from dealer warehouses or factories within 24-48 hours.
- Maximum 4 days for longer distances.
- During the COVID-19 lockdowns, LRT’s robust distribution system ensured uninterrupted supply to spinning mills.
5. Innovation and Technological Advancements
LRT is committed to continuous innovation, with a dedicated R&D division. At the ITMA exhibition, LRT introduced new ring traveller mounting tools designed for spinning machines equipped with spindle monitoring systems.
6. Challenges and Opportunities in India’s Textile Industry
India’s textile industry currently faces multiple challenges, including:
- Russia-Ukraine war
- Declining global apparel demand
- Economic slowdowns in Germany, the U.S., and Japan
However, Jagan Mohan Balaji, Vice Chairman of LRT, remains optimistic about the future of India’s spinning sector. As textile production shifts away from China, India is expected to benefit significantly.
Currently, there are approximately 200 million installed spindles worldwide, but actual demand is around 150-160 million spindles. Among them:
- India has around 48 million spindles.
- China has about 100 million spindles, but only 60 million are actively used.
7. Conclusion
With its global leadership position, diverse product portfolio, dedicated customer service, and sustainable growth strategy, Lakshmi Ring Travellers (LRT) continues to assert its dominance in the international ring traveller industry.