India’s apparel manufacturing industry is built on three critical pillars — speed, quality, and scale. Mohali-based Active Clothing Co. Ltd. has successfully grown by mastering all three.
Today, the company is entering a new phase of transformation under the leadership of Kalika Mehra, alongside her sister Avinisha Mehra and their mother Renu Mehra.
Together, the Mehra family is driving operational modernization, technological upgrades, and inclusive workforce development in one of India’s fastest-evolving garment manufacturing companies.
From Family Enterprise to Global Apparel Manufacturer
The company was founded more than three decades ago by Rajesh Mehra in Mohali.
Over the years, Active Clothing has grown into a major manufacturing partner for global fashion and lifestyle brands.
The company now produces over 5 million garments annually, including:
- Flat-knit sweaters
- Circular knit garments
- Outerwear jackets
- Shoe uppers
Its international client portfolio includes brands such as:
- Levi’s
- Celio
- Skechers
- Adidas
These partnerships have positioned Active Clothing as a trusted supplier in the global apparel supply chain.
Financial Growth and Expansion
The company’s focus on operational efficiency and innovation has translated into strong financial performance.
In Q3 FY26, Active Clothing reported total income of ₹97.36 crore (US $10.71 million).
To support further expansion, the company also approved a US $2.51 million preferential issue, enabling investments in capacity expansion, technology upgrades, and infrastructure development.
The “KNIT TO SHAPE” Smart Knitting Factory
One of the most significant innovations introduced by the company is its “KNIT TO SHAPE” Smart Knitting Factory.
This advanced facility focuses on:
- Automation-driven knitting processes
- Waste reduction through precise manufacturing
- Improved production efficiency
- Sustainable textile manufacturing
The technology enables garments to be knitted directly into shape, reducing fabric waste and improving cost efficiency — a major advantage in modern apparel manufacturing.
Kalika Mehra’s Leadership Approach
COO Kalika Mehra, a fashion design graduate from Northern India Institute of Fashion Technology, has spent over 12 years shaping the company’s growth.
Her leadership philosophy focuses on transitioning the company from personality-driven operations to system-led execution.
According to her:
“We introduced more modern ways of working that focus on building an inclusive, performance-driven organisation. Processes and data now drive decision-making.”
This shift has strengthened operational transparency, improved productivity, and enabled better long-term planning.
Women Leadership Transforming Manufacturing
The Mehra family’s leadership has also driven significant cultural change within the organisation.
Traditionally, quality control departments in garment factories were male-dominated. However, Active Clothing has taken deliberate steps to improve gender diversity.
Women employees are now being trained in roles such as:
- Process auditors
- Buyer-certified auditors
- Production coordinators
- Supervisors and monitoring specialists
The company also supports women workers through structured education and training programs, helping them transition from shop-floor roles into leadership positions.
Challenges of Women Leadership in Manufacturing
According to Kalika Mehra, the biggest challenge for women leaders in the apparel sector is not just gender bias.
Instead, it is about building credibility and trust through consistent performance.
She emphasises that effective leadership comes from:
- Strong systems
- Data-driven decisions
- Clear communication
- Consistent execution
Rather than relying on authority, she believes leadership must focus on influence and collaboration.
The Human Side of Manufacturing Leadership
Despite the scale of operations, Kalika says the most rewarding part of her journey is the connection with employees.
The trust and appreciation from the workforce remain deeply meaningful.
These relationships, she says, make the demanding nature of apparel manufacturing worthwhile.
Attracting the Next Generation to Apparel Manufacturing
While the industry offers enormous opportunities, Kalika believes it must do more to attract young professionals.
Many graduates still view manufacturing as:
- Traditional
- Labour-intensive
- Less innovative than technology sectors
However, modern factories are rapidly adopting automation, sustainability practices, and data-driven systems.
Changing this perception will be essential for the industry’s future.
The Future of Indian Apparel Manufacturing
India’s apparel industry is currently benefiting from global sourcing diversification and rising demand for sustainable production.
Companies like Active Clothing are investing in:
- Smart manufacturing
- Automation
- Workforce development
- Sustainability initiatives
These investments position the company strongly for long-term growth in the global apparel market.
Conclusion
The leadership of Kalika Mehra, Avinisha Mehra, and Renu Mehra represents a new generation of transformation in India’s garment manufacturing sector.
By combining technology, inclusive leadership, and operational excellence, Active Clothing Co. Ltd. is evolving into a modern manufacturing organisation capable of competing in the global apparel industry.
Their journey highlights how Indian apparel companies can grow sustainably while empowering the workforce and adopting future-ready manufacturing practices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Active Clothing Co. Ltd. known for?
Active Clothing Co. Ltd. is an Indian apparel manufacturing company based in Mohali that produces more than 5 million garments annually for global brands like Levi’s, Adidas, Skechers, and Celio.
Who leads Active Clothing today?
The company is led by COO Kalika Mehra, VP Avinisha Mehra, and Chairperson Renu Mehra.
What is the KNIT TO SHAPE factory?
KNIT TO SHAPE is a smart knitting facility introduced by Active Clothing that uses automation to reduce waste and improve manufacturing efficiency.
How big is the Indian apparel manufacturing industry?
India is one of the largest apparel manufacturing hubs globally, supplying garments to major international fashion brands and retailers.