Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened Arvind Limited’s new garment factory in Varanasi on Oct. 25, a project in which the company has invested about ₹150 crore and expects to create more than 1,000 jobs.
Arvind’s estimate covers direct jobs, predominantly for women. It is a projection; the company has not reported how many people currently work at the factory. In an Oct. 25 stock exchange filing, Arvind said it had built worker hostels and planned to add accommodation as operations grow.
The company says the plant is intended to turn its knitted fabric into garments and increase sales to existing customers. The Prime Minister’s Office said Arvind’s international customer base could provide a market for clothing made in Varanasi. Arvind also expects local service providers to benefit, though it gave no estimate of that effect.
The site spans 5.5 acres and contains about 65,000 square feet of built space. Arvind plans to make essential knitwear there using automated sewing equipment. It puts the factory’s revenue potential at ₹250 crore but has not said what period that estimate covers.
Following his visit, Modi highlighted the project’s expected contribution to women’s employment. According to Arvind, this is its first factory in Uttar Pradesh. The company traces the founding of Arvind Mills to 1931; its businesses today include textiles, apparel, advanced materials and environmental solutions.
The inauguration followed Modi’s announced visit to the Varanasi facility.
