By M.Prabhakar and Mohanraj

Backed by over two decades of focused manufacturing expertise and a strong reputation in jacquard-based woven fabrics, Erode-based RB Wovens arrives at Heimtextil 2026, Frankfurt as a mature, innovation-led player with a clear global outlook. We caught up with Sivagnanam Balakrishnan, Managing Director, at the company’s Perundurai facility for an exclusive interaction ahead of the global trade fair.

“We bring with us more than 20 years of deep expertise in jacquard weaving and home textiles,” he says. “At Heimtextil, we are showcasing a legacy built on quality, innovation and a clear understanding of what global customers expect.”

A Legacy Rooted in Engineering, Strengthened by Textiles

RB Wovens’ journey is underpinned by strong entrepreneurial foundations. The group traces its origins to 1980, when the founding promoter Mr. Balakrishnan established a civil engineering and construction business. This engineering mindset—focused on precision, structure and scalability—later became a key differentiator when the group entered textiles.

The transition began in 1989 with spinning, followed by fabric trading through the late 1990s. A decisive shift came in 2000, when the company entered weaving, laying the foundation for what would evolve into RB Wovens. Originally operating as RB Exporters, the company was formally incorporated as RB Wovens Private Limited in 2002.

“From the moment we entered weaving, our focus was very clear—home textiles,” Sivagnanam explains. “That clarity of purpose has guided our investments, our technology choices and our long-term growth strategy.”

Jacquard at Scale—and with Depth

Over the years, RB Wovens has emerged as one of India’s leading specialists in wider-width jacquard weaving, supported by a major capacity expansion in 2017. Today, jacquard is not merely a production capability—it is the company’s defining strength.

“Jacquard is our forte,” says Sivagnanam. “We specialize in textured fabrics, top-beam set constructions and highly design-intensive jacquards. From understated solids to extremely intricate patterns, we have the capability to offer virtually any type of jacquard fabric.”

The company manufactures a wide spectrum of products, ranging from standard constructions to ultra-high thread counts of up to 1,200 TC. Its offerings cater to both retail and hospitality segments, covering bed linen, blankets, towels, coverlets, duvet covers and other made-ups—always with a strong emphasis on premium aesthetics, tactile comfort and consistency.

Showcase at Heimtextil 2026

Innovation has long been central to RB Wovens’ identity. One of the key highlights at Heimtextil 2026 will be the company’s patented woven quilt innovation, finalized in 2024.

“Conventional quilting has inherent design limitations,” Sivagnanam explains. “Our woven quilt integrates the quilting process directly into the weaving stage. This opens up limitless design possibilities, greater flexibility and detailing that traditional multi-needle quilting simply cannot achieve.”

Although the innovation has already been introduced to select customers, Heimtextil 2026 will serve as a global platform to showcase its full potential.

“This is where we believe the product will truly resonate with international buyers,” he adds.

Alongside this innovation, RB Wovens will present its complete product portfolio at the trade fair. Another notable highlight will be its home textile range in SUPIMA® and TENCEL™ blends, aimed at buyers seeking luxury, performance and sustainability in equal measure.

A Global Platform with Strategic Intent

For RB Wovens, Heimtextil 2026 is more than a product display—it is a strategic statement.

“We see Heimtextil as the right platform to communicate who we truly are,” Sivagnanam says. “A company with decades of experience, a strong jacquard DNA, proven global relationships and innovations that are ready for the world.”

Building a Balanced Global Market Footprint

RB Wovens has steadily expanded its global presence over the past two decades. Europe has been a long-standing market for the company. While it entered the US market in 2007 for bedding, it has been doing business in the US since 1996 for fabrics.

The company has over the years built a strong presence across both the retail and hospitality segments.

Vertical Integration Powered by Fine-Count Spinning

RB Wovens’ manufacturing strength is reinforced by a vertically integrated ecosystem. Its spinning operations, housed under a sister concern in Tiruchengode, focus exclusively on fine-count yarns, averaging 120s, using largely SUPIMA® and Egyptian cotton.

While the company’s weaving and sizing operations are located at its Kadhirampatti unit, the made-ups and top-of-the-bed products are manufactured at its SIPCOT Perundurai facility. Designed with future scalability in mind, this facility is positioned to support the company’s growth over the next decade.

Sustainability as a Core Business Pillar

Sustainability will be another strong message at RB Wovens’ Heimtextil stand.

“We generate nearly three times the renewable energy required for our operations through wind and solar power,” Sivagnanam reveals. “The surplus is fed back into the grid.”

With plans to expand in-house processing and strengthen quality-control systems, the company is focused on tighter process control, higher efficiency and responsible manufacturing.

Competing on Quality, Not on Price

At Heimtextil 2026, RB Wovens is clearly positioning itself to offer niche products while also strengthening its presence in commoditized segments.

 “We do not compete in the price-driven race,” Sivagnanam asserts. “Our benchmarks are European manufacturers. We focus on quality, innovation and bespoke, design-led solutions—even if that means working with smaller volumes.”

This strategy has enabled the company to carve out a niche in customized, high-value jacquard products, where design depth, reliability and consistency take precedence over sheer scale.

Navigating Trade Realities, Looking Ahead

On FTAs and tariffs, Sivagnanam adopts a pragmatic stance.

“To mitigate the impact of US tariffs and drive sustainable growth, we are focusing on diversifying our business by strengthening our presence in the domestic market and exploring new opportunities in non-US markets. This strategic diversification will help us to expand our customer base, increase revenue streams and enhance our global competitiveness.”

Looking ahead, RB Wovens is expanding its in-house processing facility, with an area of over 100,000 sq. m planned in the first phase.The company is also evaluating opportunities in the domestic market, while continuing to strengthen its global footprint.

“With strong infrastructure, a clear focus on innovation and sustainability at the core, we believe RB Wovens is well positioned for the next decade of growth,” he says.

Welcome to Heimtextil 2026

“We invite visitors to connect with us at Hall 8.0, Booth F40,” Sivagnanam concludes. “We look forward to engaging with buyers, designers and partners from across the world, and to meaningful conversations around innovation, quality and design at our booth.”