The Manchester of Pakistan – Faisalabad, the Great Industrial Hub City

Faisalabad, often referred to as the “Manchester of Pakistan”, is the country’s third largest city and a major industrial hub. The city has a rich history of textile manufacturing, tracing its roots back to the British colonial era when it was known as Lyallpur. Today, Faisalabad is home to over 500 large industrial units, with 328 being textile mills and the rest comprising engineering, chemical, and food processing units. The city’s textile industry encompasses a wide range of products including cotton yarn, fabric, garments, and home textiles. Faisalabad’s central location, connecting roads, rails, and air transportation have contributed to its growth as a major industrial and distribution center. The city’s GDP was estimated at $43 billion in 2013 and is projected to rise to $87 billion by 2025.

The city is known for its famous products like the iconic Faisalabad Clock Tower, exquisite bed sheets renowned for their quality and design, and delicious culinary delights such as Faisalabadi Choorian. Faisalabad has also produced notable celebrities like cricketer Wasim Akram and singer Abida Parveen. With its thriving textile industry, diverse culture, and famous products, Faisalabad has rightfully earned its reputation as the “Manchester of Pakistan” and a prominent industrial hub.

Key Industrial Zones in Faisalabad Include:

1. 1. M-3 Industrial City (M-3-IC)
      A 4,356 acre zone housing large-scale manufacturing companies in textiles, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, automotive, and spare parts.
      
   2. Allama Iqbal City (AllC)
      A 3,300+ acre zone also hosting major industrial units.
      
   3. Value Addition City (VAC) or Garment City
      Located at Sahianwala Road, home to many garment and apparel factories.

What are the Major Industries in Faisalabad

The major industries in Faisalabad include textile manufacturing, engineering, industrial goods, cotton and silk textiles, super phosphates, apparel and hosiery, industrial chemicals and dyes, pulp and paper, agricultural research and equipment, oil and ghee, and concentrated beverages. The textile and apparel industry is particularly significant, accounting for almost 60-80% of Pakistan’s export revenue and playing a crucial role in the city’s economy. Faisalabad is known for its diverse industrial zones like the Value Addition City (Garment City), M-3 Industrial City, and Allama Iqbal City, which house large-scale manufacturing companies in textiles, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, automotive, and spare parts.

What are the Top Textile Companies in Faisalabad

Some of the top textile companies in Faisalabad include:

1. 1. SADAQAT LIMITED – One of the largest textile mills with an annual revenue of $214.69 million.
   2. GOHAR TEXTILE MILLS (PVT.) LIMITED – Another major textile mill with $89 million in annual revenue.
   3. K.B ENTERPRISES – A prominent textile company with $59.8 million in annual revenue.
   4. RANTEX (PVT.) LIMITED – A leading textile mill in Faisalabad.
   5. Chawla Enterprises – Known for its expertise in high-quality cotton yarn production.
   6. Rashid Textile Printing Industries – Specializes in fabric printing with advanced technology.
   7. Crescent Textile – A top textile mill producing a diverse range of fabrics for domestic and international markets.
   8. H.J Textile Mills – Focuses on sustainable and eco-friendly textile manufacturing practices.
   9. Interloop, Nishat, Masood Textile, Kalash, and Kamal Ltd – Among the top 25 textile mills that contributed 21% to Pakistan’s $25 billion textile exports in 2021.

What are the Products Manufactured by the Top Textile Companies in Faisalabad

The top textile companies in Faisalabad manufacture a wide range of textile products, including:

Cotton Yarn

• ChawlaEnterprises is known for its expertise in high-quality cotton yarn production

Fabrics

• Crescent Textile produces a diverse array of fabrics, including cotton, polyester blends, and specialty textiles
• Saab Weaving Textile Mills specializes in weaving and fabric production for apparel, home textiles, and industrial applications
• H.J Textile Mills focuses on manufacturing eco-friendly fabrics using organic and sustainably sourced materials

Garments

• Many textile mills in Faisalabad have integrated garment manufacturing units producing t-shirts, shirts, trousers, dresses, and other apparel

Home Textiles

• • Faisalabad’s textile mills manufacture various home textile products like bed sheets, towels, curtains, and upholstery fabrics known for their quality, durability, and aesthetic appeal

Some of the top textile companies by revenue include:

• • SADAQAT LIMITED – Annual revenue of $214.69 million
  • GOHAR TEXTILE MILLS (PVT.) LIMITED – Annual revenue of $89 million
  • K.B ENTERPRISES – Annual revenue of $59.8 million
  • RANTEX (PVT.) LIMITED

These companies leverage advanced technologies like modern spinning machines, automated looms, computerized dyeing and printing equipment, and finishing processes to enhance efficiency, productivity and quality. Their products cater to both domestic and international markets.