Briefing the media in Bangalore, company president Prakash Nedungadi said the company would make `heavy investments' in design and supply chain systems and upgradation of quality and machinery. However, he said the company had not yet earmarked any specific sum for the investment.

"We will take a decision on the size of the investment only after the PwC recommendations are out," Mr Negungadi said. The supply chain is expected to improve the customer service and efficiency of the company besides reducing the wastage involved in production.

Madura Garments has recently tied up with a couple of design houses, including one in the UK for casual wear. The company would also set up an interactive B2C site starting with Allen Solly.

On exports, he said the company would focus on emerging markets like CIS countries, Africa and the Middle East. "We will identify the gaps in the market and will try to place us suitably there," he said. Currently, the company exports 10 per cent of its products and by 2003 this would double. During fiscal 1999-00, the company posted a total turnover of Rs 248 crore. On the company's targets, Mr Negungadi said, "We will continue to be a leader in the branded apparel market." The company is aiming to post a turnover of Rs 500 crore by 2003. He said the company had a compounded annual growth rate of 32 per cent in net sales since 1995.