Apparel Online Bangladesh Magazine June Issue 2018 | Page 30

RESOURCE CENTRE
KDS Accessories
well prepared for
future challenges
In the last decade, much investment has been made to strengthen the accessory segment in Bangladesh and the
local industry today is standing tall against the international competitors. In fact, they have taken a step forward
aiming to be total solution providers against niche product categories that is the forte of the global brands. A
frontrunner in this category, KDS Accessories has its job cut out to keep ahead of companies which are aiming for
the same market positioning. The confidence that Debasis Daspal, CEO,KDS Accessories has on the inherent
strengths of the company and its future growth plans, indeed belies any fear of competition.
A
mong the biggest differentiator
that has kept KDS ahead of
other Bangladeshi companies that
are vying for the top slot, is the wide
product range that the company is
offering in trims and packaging, and
the many buyer nominations, both
for products and processes that are
in its kitty. “It is only now that some
companies are expanding their range,
but we are leaders and already have
buyer-approved factories. Walmart
approval is one of the most difficult
and we can proudly claim to be
their nominated supplier,” shares
Debasis. These factors have helped
the company to stay ahead, even as
the industry goes through a difficult
phase.
It is no longer news that growth in
the RMG sector in Bangladesh has
slowed down, but what is still very
positive is the attitude of its players
to ensure that the industry is back on
track soon. “Yes, growth has not been
as great as it used to be, but most of
the reasons are external and in no
way reflect on the capabilities of the
country and its players,” says Debasis.
In fact, he is very sure that post
2018, once the elections are over, the
situation will again be very exciting
and most companies are preparing
for the next phase of boom. At KDS,
the focus is on new product categories
and more offerings within the same
categories.
Sharing the company’s recent
developments, Debasis briefs, “Many
big corporates in Bangladesh that
were earlier sourcing their trims and
packaging requirements from China
that we have created, almost all
buyer requirements in sustainability
are met. If any investments have
to be made for further adherence,
the company is very open for the
same, unlike many others, which
would think twice, before taking the
plunge,” assures Debasis.
Debasis Daspal, CEO, KDS Accessories
We have been using
recycled materials
for buyers looking
at such initiatives
for a long time
now and with the
infrastructure that
we have created,
almost all buyer
requirements in
sustainability
are met.
are now looking to source locally, both
to save time in the process, as also a
few cents. In this changing scenario,
we are open to do new products, which
we are mostly seeing on the packaging
side as presentation of a product
on the shelves gains importance.”
Finding ways to cut cost while
maintaining the quality and integrity
of the product like using a 5-ply
cardboard instead of a 7-ply are small
interventions in this direction.
Sustainable practices are a way of
doing business and buyers of KDS
can rest assured that all norms in
worker and environment regulations
are being adhered to. “We have been
using recycled materials for buyers
looking at such initiatives for a long
time now and with the infrastructure
30 Apparel Online Bangladesh | JUNE 2018 | www.apparelresources.com
Also supporting growth at KDS is
the use of IT to service its customers
more proactively. “We are using an
in-house ERP solution to monitor
the production and delivery process
and the moment an order is placed,
an SMS goes to the merchandiser
who can trace the order at all stages.
This responsive approach has
been well-received by our clients
and we eventually look forward to
extending the system for actual
order placing,” avers the CEO. It
is interesting how the company is
open to new technology and best
practices to improve upon its already
existing edges. “We are always on
the lookout for new and better ways
to do business, as also for fresh local
talent to complement our strategies,”
adds Debasis.
As Bangladesh nears its 50th
anniversary in 2021, the industry is
inching closer to the magical target
of US $ 50 billion exports in apparel.
“The pace of growth may have
slowed down, but the future is bright
and I have no doubt that companies
that are upfront in their approach,
and are willing to go an extra mile
to serve the buyer, will support the
further growth of the industry in the
years to come,” signs off Debasis on
an optimistic note.