Rajappa Shivalingappa’s blueprint for the golden fiber

Since taking the helm in May 2025, Shivalingappa has accelerated the company’s expansion through Gloster Nuvo, a greenfield project that has already seen a $35 million investment. The facility is currently ramping up capacity, aiming for 130 metric tons of daily production within the next 18 months. Beyond sheer volume, the focus has shifted toward high-quality yarn for outerwear and upholstery, sectors where the company seeks to compete with more established synthetic alternatives.

Technological integration remains the core of this growth. Because specialized equipment for fine jute yarn is rarely available, the firm repurposes European machinery originally designed for linen and worsted textiles. This technical edge is supported by a planned center of excellence, which will house pilot machines to refine R&D efforts. These initiatives are coupled with a rigorous sustainability agenda, including the shift from coal to gas-fired boilers and the installation of solar plants, which successfully lowered the company’s emission intensity from 0.64 megatons in 2016 to 0.43 megatons in 2025.

Technological transformation

Gloster maintains its market position by embedding CSR directly into its supply chain. Through partnerships with 380 farmers, the company provides free seeds, fertilizers, and modern equipment, securing a reliable supply of organic fiber while bolstering local rural economies. This strategy, combined with collaborative research efforts with institutions like the National Institute of Fashion Technology, ensures that the company remains insulated from the volatility typical of the traditional jute sector.