Hetauda textile factory’s looms whir again after 24 years

The historic Hetauda Textile Industry in Nepal is whirring back to life, with its looms clattering once more after a 24-year hiatus. Saturday morning marked the factory's first preliminary test production, a significant milestone following its closure for nearly two and a half decades.

“

The initial test run was successful, although significant work remains before full-scale commercial operations can resume. The successful trial confirms that the factory can indeed be brought back to life.

The revival effort was spearheaded by the Nepali Army, which was entrusted with repairing the dilapidated factory and restoring its production capabilities. A dedicated technical team from the army's Directorate of Military Materiel Production spent 40 days at the industrial complex. They cleared the neglected premises, overhauled the aging power supply, and serviced the mechanical looms that had lain dormant for years.

"The initial test run was successful, although significant work remains before full-scale commercial operations can resume," stated a senior military officer involved in the operation. "The successful trial confirms that the factory can indeed be brought back to life." The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies had initially given the military team two months for the maintenance and test production, but they completed the task ahead of schedule.

“

The successful preliminary test run provides a strong signal that full commercial production is viable.

This successful preliminary test run is a strong signal for the viability of full commercial production. The Ministry of Industry has prioritized the Hetauda Textile Industry's reactivation, alongside other state-owned enterprises and domestic cotton farming initiatives. The government has allocated funds for immediate repairs, and the reactivation is part of a broader plan to enhance Nepal's self-reliance.

“

The clicking sound of the looms has been echoing across the premises since early morning.