Weaving a Legacy of Innovation: The NR Group Story
In a world where threads of heritage and modernity intersect, NR Group emerges as a vibrant tapestry of Bangladeshi excellence.
August 16th, 2023
Written by FibreTrace®
Bangladeshi textiles manufacturer, NR Group, started from humble beginnings. Once the venture of a lone yarn wholesaler, the multi-generation, family-owned operation now comprises 23 affiliated companies, with a workforce of over 25,000 employees across Bangladesh, India, China and Sri Lanka. The company’s textile solutions span spinning, knitting and dyeing to apparel making — and thanks to a chance encounter with a carpenter with the right connections, will be taking the next step to apply FibreTrace technology across its supply chain.
Director Arif — grandson of that humble yarn wholesaler — speaks to FibreTrace about legacy, innovation and the key values that will move the textiles industry in Bangladesh forward.
FibreTrace: NR Group is a family-owned operation, and honourably names its mission ‘to support the nation’s development and welfare by adding value to GDP through the production of high-quality textile products.’ Could you please share a bit about the family that owns NR Group, and why it feels so strongly about contributing to Bangladesh in this way?
Arifur Rahman: The company was established in 1965 by my grandfather, who worked as a yarn wholesaler. Initially, our operations were quite basic, but he managed to maintain excellent relationships with everyone he dealt with. Later, my father took the reins with a fresh new vision. He ventured abroad, returning with new ideas that would transform the business.
As he expanded into the garment industry, he recognised the profound impact of community support. We emerged as one of the pioneering factories to venture into exports in the late eighties, and our approach to employment and our treatment of employees set us apart from other factories. This led to a strong reputation; many wanted to work with us because of our positive corporate culture.
This ethos became a core value of NR Group. Our employees are integral members of our extended family. This is not merely a phrase; it serves as a reminder that we were once in their shoes. Through a combination of hard work and fortunate circumstances, we now have the ability to provide support to others.
In the late eighties and mid-nineties, we continued to support our community. However, as Bangladesh became a major textile exporter, ranking just behind China, we asked ourselves: 'What's our next step?' The answer was clear. We aspired to make an impact substantial enough to contribute to the nation's GDP."
FibreTrace: Your company values — community responsibility, premium quality, sustainability and environmental protection, integrity and trust — hold leadership to a standard of civil responsibility that most would not concern themselves with. Why are these the values of NR Group?
Arifur Rahman: As I mentioned earlier, we believe in the importance of community responsibility. We recognise our resources and think it's our duty to utilise them thoughtfully. While financial success is significant, it becomes meaningful only when accompanied by a strong community. This is why community engagement is a core aspect of our identity. Giving back to the community is not just an option but a necessity, as our existence thrives on their support.
Our commitment has always been to provide premium quality. In the Bangladesh market, we charge higher prices because we are committed to doing things correctly. Until today, people continue to rely on us and choose us because of our reputation for honesty. We maintain exceptional quality standards, ensuring products leave our factory with minimal issues. Though occasional quality challenges arise, we consistently achieve an impressive clearance rate of 85% and above. This reliability builds a foundation of trust, reassuring customers that their expectations will be met.
While many retailers and brands follow market trends, we approach sustainability from a manufacturer's view, focusing on overall efficiency. The current emphasis on ESG and recycled cotton is crucial, but we delve deeper. Sustainability is more than just adopting recycled materials; it's about ensuring real environmental impact. For instance, we avoid using 100% recyclable cotton due to the counterproductive effects on production processes. Our approach stands against 'greenwashing'; we are transparent about what truly benefits the environment and community.
Also, in terms of sustainability, since 2018, just before COVID began, we began significant machinery upgrades, including transforming around 70 per cent of our dye house operations. Unlike traditional dye houses that rely on standard dyes, which often result in contaminating water resources, we've transitioned to the CPB (cold pad batch) dyeing methodology. This change has reduced water consumption by 70 per cent. We've also elevated our water treatment processes, driven by the belief that Bangladeshi standards were inadequate. International benchmarks from the UK and Australia guide our efforts to achieve higher levels of sustainability.
As anticipated, integrity and trust are integral to our business and family values. Passed down from my grandfather and father, we understand that our word is a binding commitment. It's like squeezing out toothpaste – once released, it cannot be put back. While it might appear childish, it holds a significant meaning. We prioritise transparency and communicate openly about what we can or cannot accomplish. Upholding our promises is crucial because losing trust is irreversible. This principle guides our customer relationships, emphasising that their trust is more valuable than money.
Image courtesy of NR Group