Corporate Vision March 2017

76 CORPORATE VISION / March 2017 , Ahmed Shaikh heads up one of Pakistan’s most renowned textile manufacturers. He talks to us about what makes the firm so successful following their success in achieving the European Business Awards - Ones toWatch 2017 (Textiles Production and Supply – Sweden) award. Cut from the Same Cloth Azgard-9‘s principle business is the vertically integrated manufacturing and marketing of denim focused textile and apparel products from raw cotton to retail ready goods. Azgard9 is one of the largest garment manufacturing businesses in Pakistan and is the largest denim production company, by sales. The Shaikh family, one of the oldest business families in the sub-continent spanning four generations, incepted the business in 1886 in Shamkot. The family has experience in many diverse business sectors, including banking, power generation, fertiliser production, cement production, and insurance and textile manufacturing, with a proven track record of successful business leadership across four continents. Chief executive officer, Ahmed Shaikh, tells us a little more about the sector that the firm operates in. “The textile industry is the major source of export earnings for Pakistan,” he begins. “Textile and apparel play a central role in job creation. The sector is a crucial source of employment and one of the few industries of scale, the nation can boast. “We, as a largest ladies and men’s garment producers, are providing work for 10,000 people and contributing a significant portion of garment exports to the industry in Pakistan. There are several projects underway to maximise this garment export.” Azgard-9’s Italian and Asian heritage allow it to combine Italian fashion DNA and style with an Asian cost base. The firm offers high-end products at a very affordable price. “Our main strength is innovative research and development projects which provide our customers with cutting-edge technology by using new chemicals and new washing techniques in denim. Flexible and sporty fabrics are our key strength with more than 100% stretch fabrics & bi-stretch garments.” Being CEO of the company, Ahmed focuses most of his efforts into bringing sustainable growth to Azgard9 where more jobs can be created for the people of Pakistan better sourcing solutions can be provided to the rest of the world. “Innovative and sustainable products are Azgard9’s prime focus for the year 2017 and approaching 2018 with optimum levels of sustainability where we can save the planet,” he explains. “Azgard9 has been famous for its innovative products in the past but now we are moving towards the resolution of a save the plant philosophy so we will attempt to save the earth for upcoming generations whilst still serving the changing needs of the consumer by providing the best fabric and garments we possibly can.” Ahmed explains how Azgard9 is bringing about some immense changes in Pakistan’s denim fashion and textile platform with the team of leaders that are the best among the best. “We’re progressing and reaching the heights of success with our new team. To stand out in the textile and apparel industry in Pakistan, by the end of 2017, we’re planning to produce one million garment and four million meters of fabric every month. As well as broadening its sourcing focus, Azgard9 is continuing to invest in design, fabric and technology innovation. “We value our team. Our highly skilled individuals, specialized in the art of denim and style, create cutting-edge garments that make us successful. Teamwork is remarkable in Azgard9 which is our key to success for the future.” K Company: Azgard Nine Ltd Name: Asif Ali Khan, Chief Operating Officer (COO) Telephone: +92 344 8445255 Email: [email protected] Web Address: www.azgard9.com Address: Ismail Aiwan-e-Science, Off Shahrah-e-Roomi, Main Ferozpur Road, Lahore, 54600 Pakistan 1703CV26