Driving Innovation and Growth in Textile Machinery: A New-Generation Perspective
April 01, 2026 | By Textile Sphere India
In this exclusive interaction, Ashna Sharma, Director, Yash Textile Machines, shares insights with Textile Sphere India into the company’s evolving strategy as a comprehensive solutions provider. She highlights global collaborations, automation, and sustainability as key growth drivers, while emphasising India’s emerging role as a technology-led textile hub. As a second-generation leader, she also reflects on building credibility in a traditionally male-dominated industry and the growing importance of inclusive leadership in shaping the future of textile manufacturing.
Company’s current focus areas and growth strategy
Our current focus at Yash Textile Machines is to evolve into a comprehensive solution provider for the textile industry by delivering advanced technologies across pre-finishing and post-finishing stages, from fabric preparation and inspection to high-speed winding, automatic cutting and packing systems and end-of-line automation solutions.
We are actively expanding into high-growth textile markets while simultaneously enhancing our product capabilities through collaborations like TEXMA. At the core, our aim is to deliver reliable, efficient and process-oriented solutions that directly impact fabric quality and plant productivity.
Technology partnership with TEXMA, Italy
We are introducing TEXMA’s industrial stitching and preparation systems to key-growth markets such as Asia, CIS and Russia. By localizing production, we are able to ensure faster delivery timelines, better service support and closer customer engagement, which are critical for textile manufacturers operating in dynamic markets. While TEXMA brings deep technical expertise and global credibility, Yash contributes with manufacturing strength and market understanding.
Sustainability and efficiency are key priorities
Our approach to sustainability is practical and process-driven. We focus on integrating advanced, resource-optimised technologies across all our solutions. Additionally, smart engineering and high-efficiency components improve productivity, reduce downtime and lower operating costs – helping textile mills achieve higher output with a smaller environmental footprint.
Opportunities for Indian textile machinery manufacturers
India is at a very interesting inflection point. As global supply chains diversify, the country has a strong opportunity to position itself not just as a manufacturing hub, but also as a technology-driven textile ecosystem.
Firstly, there is significant scope for import substitution, especially in specialized and process-critical machinery where reliance on European technology has traditionally been high. Indian manufacturers now have the capability to develop reliable, high-performance alternatives that are better aligned with local operating conditions.
Another key opportunity lies in process innovation. As fabrics become more diverse and quality expectations rise, mills are looking for machinery partners who understand application challenges, not just equipment. This opens the door for Indian companies to differentiate through engineering expertise and customization.
The key will be to move beyond price competitiveness and focus on innovation, consistency and process understanding.
Strategic priorities as a second-generation leader
As a second-generation leader, my focus for Yash Textile Machines over the next five years is on building depth, capability and long-term relevance in an evolving textile landscape.
We are keen on strengthening our technology portfolio through meaningful global collaborations, while also investing in in-house product development and application knowledge. At the same time, we are working towards expanding our footprint in international markets where there is growing demand for reliable and efficient automation solutions. Equally important is enhancing our after-sales service and customer engagement, ensuring that we support our customers beyond installation and become long-term partners in their growth. Overall, the vision is to position Yash Textile Machines as a trusted, forward-looking company that combines engineering strength and deep industry insight.
Women leadership in the textile industry
The role of women in this sector is evolving steadily, though there is still a long way to go – especially in core engineering and decision-making roles. What is encouraging is that more women are entering technical fields and taking up leadership positions across manufacturing, operations and business strategy. The shift is gradual but meaningful. Going forward, organizations that actively create inclusive environments and equal growth opportunities will benefit from a more diverse and resilient leadership pipeline.
Defining aspect of leadership journey
One of the most defining aspects has been learning to navigate a traditionally male-dominated industry while staying focused on competence and clarity of thought. Over time, I have realized that credibility in this space is built through consistency, technical understanding and decision-making ability, rather than perception. The journey has been less about proving a point and more about building trust, internally with teams and externally with customers.
Advice to young women professionals
My advice to young women aspiring to build careers in the textile and engineering sectors is to focus on developing strong technical understanding and practical exposure early on, as this forms the foundation of confidence and credibility in any manufacturing environment. It is important to stay curious, ask questions and actively engage with on-ground processes rather than limiting oneself to theoretical knowledge.
While the industry may still be evolving in terms of gender representation, there is immense opportunity for those who are willing to take initiative and step into challenging roles. Building resilience, being consistent in your efforts and not being deterred by preconceived notions are key to long-term growth. Most importantly, approach the industry with confidence and patience. Manufacturing and engineering are deeply rewarding fields for those willing to invest the time and effort.
#TAGS pre-finishing and post-finishing, TEXMA’s industrial stitching and preparation systems, European technology, fabrics, Yash Textile Machines,