FM Denim is a vertically integrated denim fabrics manufacturing unit which started operations end 2007. The unit is housed under single roof covering a floor space of over 35,000 square metres. The building is located in the new industrial zone of La Tour Koenig which is the new centre for vertically integrated textile units. This new industrial zone is to show the rejuvenation of the textile sector in Mauritius with many prominent world class players setting up factories there. FMD is located on 23 acres of land in the middle of this industrial zone which has a central sewer system along with dedicated electrical power lines and good road infrastructure.It is situated on the outskirts of Port Louis(capital of  Mauritius), 10 mins from the harbour. This port has recently been modernized to cater for increasing traffic in the southern hemisphere. The government has planned to convert this port into one of the most modern in this part of the world.    

Cotton sourcing is done from West coast of Africa – Ivory Coast, Mali and Benin due to quality, proximity and short transit time.  Alternative sourcing from Brazil and Texas is considered when necessary. FMD is convinced that by using good quality raw materials, it can supply superior quality fabrics for its customers.

FMD adheres to strict in-process quality control measures in spinning as it is strongly believes that a consistent yarn quality results in a consistent fabric quality. As such, the mill is equipped with a modern yarn testing laboratory.    

The spinning section can produce 14000 MT (Metric Tons) of high quality yarns per year therefore enabling the denim mill to be self sufficient in yarn requirement. It is equipped with a Trutzschler spinning preparatory blowroom, Zinser Roving with sliver transport to Zinser Ring frames with Auto-doffing. The Zinser ring frames are also equipped with Amsler slub and multicount devices to produce high quality yarns using the latest innovations. The spinning section also has a facility to produce high quality open-end yarns with the Schlafhorst Fancination device.

Continuous yarn dyeing facilities include both slasher and rope dyeing technologies. This provides flexibility to produce unique color combinations. The dyeing process relies entirely on liquid indigo and sulphur systems from Dystar.

The weaving shed houses 120 airjet looms from Picanol capable of producing wider width denim fabrics – in twill weave, stretch, dobby and fine weaves.

The finishing equipment provides for the various types of finishes expected for denim fabrics in the fashion world of to-day and tomorrow. FMD has associated itself with innovative finishing chemicals suppliers who also provide technical support and backup.The finishing section is equipped with continuous washing ranges for flat finishing of fabrics, Monforts Stenter for heat and width setting, Morrison Wet finishing range for preshrinking of fabrics and control of fabrics shrinkage. We are also equipped with appropriate structures to do overdyeing of fabrics, resin finishing and coating of fabrics.

A team of experienced Quality Assurance staff monitors the performance of each department through the implementation of a rigorous on line monitoring process. A fully equipped fabric testing lab with testing facilities for both prewash and post wash physical parameters. The colour and shade evaluation is carried out with the help of the Datacolor Electronic Eye optical system and Hunterlab.

The selection of the dyeing technology from Dystar has been motivated by FMD’s commitment to protecting the environment of Mauritius. It recognizes that Mauritius is a small island with a relatively fragile ecosystem. The dyeing and finishing technology selected results in lower levels of sulphite and sulphate in the effluent and better compliance with official waste water regulations.  It also reduces the manipulation of dangerous chemicals like solid sodium hydrosulphite, therefore largely reducing risks level associated with its handling. The use of liquid indigo greatly minimizes this system due to its much lower consumption of this hazardous chemical.

FM Denim has attracted a team of dedicated and highly skilled individuals who have an average experience of over 15 years in the manufacture of denim fabrics for European and US customers.  The team has a deep experience in denim fabrics, indigo, sulphur, reactive, pigment dyes and their combinations.  The team is constantly in quest of knowledge in relation to cotton and other fibers, market and fashion trends. The team invests innovatively in R&D and is accustomed to working with fabric designers worldwide, thus converting ideas into fabrics. Alongside the development of custom-made fabrics, FMD provides customers with the necessary expert advice, support and technical assistance.

The core philosophy at FM Denim remains, the supply of good quality, differentiated denim fabrics destined to add value to its customer’s businesses.