As it nears six decades of excellence, Century Enka Limited (CEL) continues to cement its leadership in the technical yarn and reinforcement fabric space with a firm focus on capacity expansion, product innovation, and sustainable practices. With a legacy rooted in a pioneering Indo-Dutch collaboration between the Birla Group and ENKA of AKZO Netherlands in 1967, CEL has emerged as India’s premier manufacturer of Nylon-based synthetic yarns and tyre reinforcement fabrics, poised to lead the next phase of growth in the synthetic textile landscape.
“We are a force woven with purpose—our operations are deeply aligned with environmental stewardship, technological progress, and value creation for all stakeholders,” affirms Ms. Rajashree Birla, Chairperson, Century Enka Limited.
Dominating the Technical Yarn Segment
Operating two advanced manufacturing facilities in Maharashtra and Gujarat with a combined installed capacity of 92,000 MTPA, CEL has secured its position as India’s largest producer of Nylon Filament Yarn (NFY) and Nylon Tyre Cord Fabric (NTCF). The company’s strategic foray into Polyester Tyre Cord Fabric (PTCF) marks a key milestone in product diversification and risk mitigation, especially considering the growing demand for radial tyres in the passenger vehicle segment.
In the NFY segment, CEL’s products serve a wide range of applications—from sarees and intimate wear to sports apparel and industrial fabrics. The company has been proactively expanding its Mother Yarn capacity, catering to the emerging high-end activewear market with premium Draw Textured Yarn (DTY). This move aligns with the growing trend of athleisure and functional textiles, accelerated by lifestyle shifts and a renewed emphasis on fitness.
“We are prioritizing value-added products and application-specific development to stay ahead in a competitive market. Our DTY segment, in particular, is seeing strong traction from global and domestic activewear brands,” Mr. Suresh Sodani, Managing Director, Century Enka Limited explains.
Reinforcing with Purpose: NTCF & PTCF Expansion
Century Enka’s reinforcement fabric portfolio plays a critical role in the automotive sector. NTCF, traditionally used in bias/cross-ply tyres, continues to see consistent demand from the two-wheeler, three-wheeler, and farm equipment segments, even as the truck and bus segment remains subdued. On the other hand, the company’s PTCF initiative is gathering momentum, with customer approvals underway and commercial supplies expected by FY26.
“PTCF enables us to align with the evolving automotive landscape, especially with the increasing share of Electric Vehicles (EVs) and radial tyres in passenger vehicles,” says Mr. Sodani. “It also allows us to diversify beyond bias tyres and tap into a wider market base.”
CEL’s reinforcement fabrics are engineered to strengthen tyres used in commercial and off-the-road (OTR) vehicles, delivering exceptional durability and load-bearing performance. With India’s tyre manufacturers expanding capacities and OEMs eyeing Southeast Asia and beyond, Century Enka is strategically placed to benefit from the uptick in automotive demand.
Capital Investment and Modernization
CEL’s long-term vision of becoming a trusted leader in technical textiles is underpinned by continuous investment in capacity building and modernization. In FY25 alone, the company earmarked ₹46.63 Crs in capital expenditure, with a significant portion devoted to expanding PTCF spinning capacity. Other allocations focus on infrastructure development, renewable energy, and safety upgrades.
In a challenging FY25, marked by margin pressures and aggressive dumping of NFY from China, CEL demonstrated strategic agility—closing the year with ₹2,002 Crs in revenue from operations and ₹67 Crs in net profit. The company’s shift toward value-added products and product customization helped cushion the impact of unfair competition.
“We are working closely with the Government to create a level playing field, especially to address issues like import dumping from China,” Mr. Sodani notes. “Meanwhile, our internal focus is on quality enhancement and niche product development to stay resilient.”
Sustainable Manufacturing: A Core Pillar
Sustainability forms the bedrock of Century Enka’s operations. Both its manufacturing facilities are ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 9001:2015 certified, with advanced environmental management systems. CEL’s dope-dyed yarns, produced with minimal water and dye usage, significantly reduce environmental impact, aligning with global sustainability benchmarks. The company’s products are also certified under STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®, assuring ecological and human safety.
“Our sustainable yarns are increasingly sought after by brands looking to reduce their environmental footprint,” shares Mr. Sodani. “We believe that responsible manufacturing is the future, and we are proud to lead by example.”
Industry Outlook: Opportunities Amid Challenges
The Indian Nylon Filament Yarn industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6–7% in the medium term, driven by increasing urbanization, lifestyle shifts, and the Government’s Make in India initiative promoting man-made fibres (MMF). CEL anticipates strong growth from segments like athleisure, sportswear, lingerie, defense textiles, and technical fabrics.
The rising use of micro and fine deniers, especially in draw textured yarns, is expected to redefine high-performance fabric applications. These yarns offer a unique combination of softness, moisture-wicking, durability, and comfort, making them ideal for functional fashion.
However, risks from cheap imports, volatility in raw material prices, and geopolitical uncertainties persist. CEL is actively working to mitigate these through product innovation, customer diversification, and operational efficiency.
In the tyre reinforcement segment, while radialization has plateaued in medium and heavy commercial vehicles, there is a healthy outlook for bias tyres in agricultural and OTR vehicles. A predicted normal monsoon and government support through MSP mechanisms are expected to drive farm tyre demand, with growth also likely in export markets, provided geopolitical tensions ease.
Vision 2026: Building the Future
Looking ahead, CEL is optimistic yet cautious. The company is betting on the commercial success of PTCF, deeper penetration in high-end NFY applications, and continued investment in sustainable product lines. Expansion in Premium DTY, Mother/Mono yarns, dope-dyed and recycled yarns is central to its future growth strategy.
“Our strategy for FY26 is centered on strengthening controllable factors—cost efficiency, innovation, and customer centricity. We believe these will help us navigate headwinds and seize emerging opportunities,” concludes Mr. Sodani.
Century Enka’s journey from a pioneering Indo-European venture to a market leader in technical yarns is a testament to its enduring commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation. As the company navigates the complexities of a dynamic textile industry, its focus on diversified growth, environmental responsibility, and high-performance products positions it at the forefront of India’s man-made fibre revolution. Century Enka is not just weaving yarn—it’s weaving the future of technical textiles in India and beyond.
