The textile industry has been and will continue to be an eternally young industry. The strongest thrives in it and takes advantage of the opportunities that open up. The ZELAL TEKSTIL factory is one of such companies in Uzbekistan, was founded in 2016 in Tashkent. ZELAL TEKSTIL can rightfully be called a unique enterprise in terms of the composition of equipment, technological operations and types of processed textile sheet.
Therefore, it was interesting for us to talk with the head of the company, Mr. Firat DENIZ.
– The textile industry is a special, complex industry. It has a very long technological chain, a large number of different types of raw materials and finished products, and is largely focused on human labor. How would you characterize the modern textile industry?
– First of all, to engage in textiles, of course, you need to love your job. The production of textiles is a very laborious process, it has a lot of technological stages: from cotton – to get yarn, from yarn by knitting and weaving – fabric, while different types of fiber require different types of equipment. After receiving the fabric, it must be given a marketable appearance – it is bleached, dyed and applied in a variety of prints. Depending on the composition of the fabric, the dyeing technology is chosen and the appropriate type of dye is selected. And at the finish line – this is the preparation of finished products for sale and export. At the same time, it is technology (spinning), and science (processing), and art (weaving, knitting and creating clothes). I will say this, it’s not easy to work, but when you love what you do, you end up with something unique and interesting. I’ve been in the industry for many years, but I still can’t say that I’ve studied this area inside and out. Every day I try to learn something new for myself.
– Probably, this is the answer to the question of what efforts are behind the status of one of the best manufacturers…
– Actually, you are right. The ZELAL TEKSTIL factory was established 7 years ago. Now our company is a production complex with an area of 124 thousand square meters, with the most modern equipment for the production and finishing of knitted fabric, thanks to which the factory can produce 70 tons of products per day. This is a full-cycle enterprise. Under one roof, the entire technological process necessary for the production of fabrics is assembled – from spinning and weaving to finishing. The production is equipped with new high-performance equipment of the world’s most famous brands. It has its own laboratory, production and warehouse complexes, a medical center for first aid to factory workers, an administrative building in which the showroom is located, and a department for quality control of finished products. The range of products consists of stockinette structure, rib nit, kashkorse, interlock nit, quilting, French terry, viscose, terry, velour. This is a great merit of our very strong team, which has done and is doing the impossible, which gives the company today the opportunity to make new plans.
– Usually there are two types of business models: “low price but high volume” and “high price but low volume”. Most domestic textile companies prefer the first business model because it is simple and less risky. The second requires constant R&D and innovation. What model does ZELAL TEKSTIL use?
– We give the highest priority to quality. No matter how attractive the price is, the company will not be able to compete if the products or services are of insufficient quality. First the quality, then the price, and then the quantity. We, as well as the world’s leading companies, are looking for ways to an effective management system, which undoubtedly leads to increased competitiveness in the market. One of the important conditions for solving this problem is the introduction of a quality management system and the requirements that this system have to meet.
– By the decision of the Government of Uzbekistan, your company was chosen as the best example of the use of “green” technologies and waste-free production in the textile industry. Tell us what activities are included in your “road map” and how will their effectiveness be assessed?
– The production of textiles makes a significant contribution to the burden on nature. One of the requirements of “green” technologies is to save energy on all technological stages of textile production. To do this, we use solar panels, gas generators. Fabric processing processes have the greatest impact on the environment, as they consume a lot of resources and chemicals. Therefore, the primary tasks include: eliminating or reducing the discharge of harmful substances into wastewater and the release of harmful substances into the air; creation of non-toxic textile materials during operation and disposal; provision of harmless, safe working conditions; Optimization of water and energy consumption.
Moreover, eco-textiles are a growing, developing production that is environmentally friendly and uses a minimum amount of chemicals. This is a response to the challenge of time and the desire of a society that wants to receive textile products of high quality and environmental friendliness at the same time.
– What is the current share of electricity generated by solar panels in the total energy consumption at your enterprise?
– The formation and support of new alternative and renewable types of energy is of great importance in the long-term benefits. After all, we get full autonomy, do not depend on the energy resources currently supplied by the state. So far, the share of renewable energy sources is small, but we have signed many contracts for the supply of solar panels, which will allow us to generate almost 1,000 kilowatts.
– How do you think, how has the digitalization played a role in the transformation of the textile industry?
– Work in the “old-fashioned” way reduces competitiveness in the market. We understand this, so we use the opportunities provided by digital transformation to improve the quality and speed of production, as well as reduce the cost of production and business process management. However, human labor is still in great demand.
– You have a group of enterprises located not only in Uzbekistan, but also in other countries. Could please tell us about each of them.
– Yes, we have companies in Russia, Kirgizstan, and Tajikistan. In Tajikistan, this is a spinning complex, in Kirgizstan we are planning to open a knitting factory, with a production capacity of 30-35 tons of fabric per day, which has polyester in its composition. We are expanding the geography of deliveries to Europe and Russia.
In Russia, branches currently operate in the cities such as Moscow, Ivanovo, Pyatigorsk and Novosibirsk
– Did the difficult geopolitical situation in the world affect your company?
– Yes, significant changes have affected the logistics sector, transportation costs have increased due to rising fuel prices and exchange rate differences, routes have changed. But slowly things are getting better. This forces us to be flexible, to find the right solutions under the circumstances.
– Is it true that some industry experts say that the technical textiles and nonwovens sector will have more prospects in the future compared to clothing manufacturers?
– Cotton was, is and will remain one of the main raw materials of the textile industry. Cotton accounts for almost 50% of the world’s consumption of textile fiber. According to a 2022 lifestyle study conducted by Cotton Incorporated, cotton is used in almost all types of clothing.
– As we have already told, employees are a very valuable resource for the enterprise. What kind of HR culture has been implemented in your enterprises?
– The “ZELAL TEKSTIL“ deeply understands the importance and value of human resources, conducts a socially oriented policy. Today, the company’s team consists of 1 thousand people. We have no “staff turnover” – 80-90% are permanent employees. A trusting, almost “kindred” relationship has developed, everyone treats each other very well.
On the part of the company – high social responsibility. First of all, it is a high salary and its timely payment, good and safe working conditions and, of course, democratic human relations. Even a cleaning lady can approach me with a question, and I will definitely listen to her and not say, “This question is not for me.” And I visit the factory several times a day.
– How do you hire your staff?
– If a recruit comes, who actually does not know anything, then he undergoes step-by-step training, practice in production. And only then we ask where he liked, where he would like to work, where he is sure that he will do something useful and necessary. He names the department and starts working there. It is important to be a professional in your chosen field. They come straight from the university; we teach them to apply their knowledge in practice. Who eagers to stay, he may stay.
– That means that a person without experience can learn everything from you and stay to work?
– Yes of course. Sometimes I observe how a young specialist wants to improve something, to do something better than his master. And this is his natural desire. A master with 20-25 years of experience may have fatigue, burnout. And new, fresh forces are always beneficial.
– How many years have you been in this business?
– We have a family business. You could say that I just opened my eyes and was already in the textile industry. I’m 43 years old now, and I’ve probably been in business since I was 11.
– Thank you for the informative conversation, we wish long-term prosperity to your business.
0
84 
