KANNUR: Israeli policemen need uniforms sewn in Kannur. One lakh clothes need to be delivered urgently. Fifteen hundred women of Thalassery and Kuthuparamba are busy sewing. The contract is with Maryan Apparel, Kinfra Park, Kuthuparamba. Although uniforms are stitched for them here every year, this time they are busily sewing day and night. Full-sleeved and double-pocketed uniforms with the official

symbol on the sleeves are being sent.

Commanders, lady officers, designers and quality controllers came here during the contract-signing phase eight years ago. The fabric used for stitching is produced in their own factory in Mumbai. Different types of uniforms are prepared which include sky blue, light green and navy blue colours. Israeli representative will visit the stitching unit to ensure the quality.

Bulk orders are received every year. The special black uniforms required by the Israeli army on the battlefield and the uniforms of the prison wardens are stitched here. The firm which took the contract in Israel is outsourcing it to India.

Army uniform to many countries

The uniforms of the National Guard and Fire Service of Kuwait, the Qatar Air Force and the Philippine Army are also made here. Doctors' coats and patient uniforms to hospitals in various countries, supermarket staff wear, corporate wear etc. are also supplied.

To Kannur to save Beedi workers

Thomas Olikal, a native of Thodupuzha, is the MD of Maryan Apparel. The head office is in Mumbai and the sewing factory is located here. The factory started in Thiruvananthapuram in 2006 and was shifted to Kannur after two years. This was in line with the government's directive to rehabilitate women who lost their jobs during the Dinesh Beedi crisis. 95% of the workforce are local women. Two thousand people can work simultaneously.

Annual revenue of the company: Rs.50-70 crores

'Israeli officials will pay particular attention to the quality of the material and the fine details of stitching and embroidery'

Sijin Kumar,

Factory Manager