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Himson Celebrates 89th Birth Anniversary of Bhogibhai Bachkaniwala, Father of India’s Synthetic Textile Machinery Industry

• By  Textile Excellence
• April 29, 2024

The pioneer of India’s synthetic yarn processing machinery industry and founder of Himson Group Bhogibhai Bachkaniwala was born on 28 March 1935. He was born in a family that was already into fabric manufacturing and known for its brand ‘Himson Fabrics’. Bhogibhai studied Textile Engineering from M.S. University, Baroda and through his ambition and dedicated hard work laid the foundation of ‘Himson Textile Engineering Industries’. This was a start-up that turned out to be a multi-billion dollar textile machines manufacturing industry and propelled the growth of synthetic textile industry in the country. Bhogibhai firmly believed that if you are concentrated at your aim and dream, nothing can drag you behind. From his life, one can learn a lesson how background and resources scarcity are never be limitations, if committed to achieve the goals. Bhogibhai’s life is perfect example of dedication, perseverance and clear vision. He successfully overcame many insurmountable obstacles and achieved new heights each time.

Bhogibhai had a knack for spotting opportunities. He recognized the need for the quality textiles machineries in India and ventured into the Textile engineering sector, capitalizing on the booming market. His penchant for identifying the gaps in the market, his keen observational skills, and his zeal led him to establishing Himson Textile Engineering Industries in 1970s, a major turning point in his entrepreneurial journey. Bhogibhai’s philosophy was clear, “Understanding people’s needs and proactively addressing them progressively.” – a practice followed by Himson even today!

Bhogibhai never stepped back challenging status-quo. He always adopted innovating strategies like backward integration, gaining control over raw material and production processes, giving Himson a significant edge. This, not only reduced costs, but also ensured quality control throughout the supply chain. This lesson emphasizes the importance of thinking outside the box and not being afraid of scrapping the obsolete methods. By embracing innovation and staying ahead of the curve, one can definitely gain a competitive advantage and achieve remarkable results.

Bhogibhai understood the potential of the teamwork. He had an amazing ability of identifying the skills of individuals and helping them to sharpen their skills. He empowered Himson employees, fostered a culture of entrepreneurship within Himson. He always valued the company of talented and supportive individuals. He built a strong team, delegated effectively and empowered others which helped achieving bigger milestones. Therefore, Bhogibhai strongly credited Himson’s success to the teams’ hard work and determination.

For Bhogibhai and his family, wealth’s true value lies in philanthropic contributions. This earned huge respect and admiration in society for the philanthropic activities.

Bhogibhai’s prime focus was to be one of the global leaders in Textile Machine manufacturing industry. He aggressively worked on the idea of making India self-sustained in Textile Machinery equipped with cutting edge technologies. This led to Himson’s excellence in machine technology, solutions and services to worldwide customers. Success for him mean inclusive growth and satisfaction of customers and employees over wealth and personal achievements.

Time Line

· 1970’s Bhogibhai took a bold step by setting up a twisting & re-winding machine unit.

· 1977 Himson won the Import Substitution Award from Govt. of India for indigenous machinery development.

· 1978 Himson tied up with Earnest Scragg Sons Ltd., UK to manufacture Crimping & Draw Texturising Machines in India.

· 1982 Himson collaborated with Unilator Ltd., UK to manufacture ceramic parts in India.

· 1984 Himson collaborated with Fadis S.P.A, Italy for Precision Cone Winding machine in India.

· 1985 Himson collaborated with Kukji Machinery Company Ltd., South Korea for manufacturing Shuttle Changing looms in India.

· 1987 Himson collaborated with Teijin Seiki Company Ltd., Japan for manufacturing Draw Twisting Machine in India.

· 1990 Himson collaborated with Heating Elements Ltd., UK for manufacturing Heaters for Texturising & Draw Twisting Machines.

·  1998 Himson’s technical collaboration with Teijin Seiki Textile Machinery Co. Ltd., Japan to manufacture High Speed Draw Texturising Machines with Energy Conserving Short Heaters and Auto Doffing machines in India.

·  2008 Manufactured and supplied Auto Doffing Draw Texturising Machine with 288 Spindles first time in the world in joint co-operation with TMT Machinery, Inc Japan. Himson was also the 1st in India to manufacture and install Auto Doffing Draw Texturising Machines

His intuition on the rising demand for synthetic fabric has been proven correct, turning Himson into a leader in the textile industry and establishing its reputation for shrewd risk-taker. Bhogibhai’s daring venture into the polyester yarn signifies the importance of trusting instincts and taking calculated risks. Despite, skepticism, his foresight and confidence in market trends propelled Himson to success, emphasizing that well thought out risks can lead to significant achievements in the business.

In 2005, Bhogibhai suffered a major health issue. However, he displayed remarkable resilience and determination and recovered. He again led Himson with the same fighting spirit to take it to new heights. This story exemplifies the power of perseverance and overcoming adversity, inspiring those facing challenges in their own lives.

In 2008, Bhogibhai’s son, Darshan Bachkaniwala manufactured and supplied Auto Doffing Draw Texturising Machine with 288 spindles in joint corporation with TMT machinery Inc., Japan. This was the first time in the world to supply a auto doffing machines with 288 spindles. This transformed India’s textile technology to a next revolution. Though, in this project, Bhogibhai was indirectly involved, his vision and emphasis on innovation motivated this transformative move. The significance of visionary leadership in business is profound and embracing innovation would pay off. Bhogibhai’s influence, even posthumously, showcases how fostering a culture of innovation can lead to groundbreaking changes in industries, providing a valuable lesson for the leaders and entrepreneurs of today.

Bhogibhai is pioneer and father of Synthetic Textile Machinery Industry in India in true sense. He was and he is the role model for many successful players in the industry walking on his footsteps today.

Bhogibhai’s prime focus was to be one of the global leaders in Textile Machine manufacturing industry. He aggressively worked on the idea of making India self-sustained in Textile Machinery equipped with cutting edge technologies. This led to Himson’s excellence in machine technology, solutions and services to worldwide customers.