As a part of the curriculum, undergraduate and postgraduate students of SRMS IBS are required to undertake industrial visits, so as to provide them with the real insight of working procedure of an organisation SRMS IBS had organized an industrial visit to Hafizia Art & Crafts Pvt. Ltd based in Sitapur, (UP). On March 1st, 2021 students headed to the facility of one of the leading Rugs and Carpet manufacturer and exporter in India.
The visit gave students a lot of knowledge about handicraft products and exposure to international market dealing with multinational companies. This visit was planned by Prof. (Dr).Ekta Rastogi with an objective to offer immense exposure and in-depth practical insight related to the various issues and challenges witnessed by exporters in India.
Mr. Ubaid Akram Ansari one of the directors of Hafizia gave an interesting presentation about the journey of Hafizia and also explained the entire process of rug manufacturing from weaving to packing and also about the stringent quality control norms.
Hafizia is distinguished manufacturer and exporter of outstanding range of home furnishing products with a strengthened hold on Rugs, Carpets, cushions & throws. Set up in 1992 with its manufacturing base in the hub of the Indian weaving industry, Sitapur (U.P), it has exclusive products catering to a discerning export market.Mr. Hafiz Mohammad Akram laid the foundation of Hafizia Art & Crafts for manufacturing and trading of handloom durries in Sitapur on a very small scale, and started supplying to domestic exporters. In 1993, Hafizia indirectly manufactured for IKEA and supported directly and indirectly around 500 families. In 2005, Hafizia Art & Crafts changed its formation into a Private Limited company and hence forth known as Hafizia Art & Crafts Pvt. Ltd Same year it participated for the first time in Heimtextil India. Established a new unit with 110 looms for Jacquard woven rugs in addition to existing 357 pit looms. The company hold many certifications like ISO9001, ISO14001 and Sedex etc.
Hafizia exports its handlooms into 40 countries working with major companies like Zara Home, Mio, Nitori, Asko, TJX, PQ and Surya Inc. Hafizia participate in major International Exhibitions like Domotex Hannover, Domotex USA, Heimtextil and Ambiente. A brand of Hafizia Nordic Rugs is designed by Johanna Gullahs-en which reflects modern Scandinavian Lifestyle. 48% of total exports accounts to European Market, 20% to USA, 16% to Asia, 11% to South America, 2% to Africa and 3% to Oceania Region. Hafizia manufactures its products using 3 techniques – Pit loom, Jacquard Loom, Panja Loom, out of which jacquard loom is most expensive among them.Hafizia also contributes towards corporate social responsibility to make environment healthier, they have built a green belt of around 3,000 sq. ft. area inside the factory in 2011. In near future the key clients to be targeted by Hafizia will be majorly USA.
Undoubtedly the visit provided great value addition to the students in terms of understanding export, labour welfare, quality control and corporate social responsibility. Scholars got a golden opportunity to learn about exclusive collection of hand woven rugs and carpets along with a wide range of hand-made home furnishing accessories. The students were provided with deep insights about the working of the plant. The live exposures to manufacturing processes will surely help them enhance their capabilities.
