fancy belts using discarded bicycle tubes and tyres

MADURAI: Necessity is the mother of invention goes a saying. Perhaps, realising this a family of cobblers from Pasingapuram here, which was in dire straits after the influx of China-made shoes in local markets, has developed a new line of fancy products using discarded bicycle tubes and tyres to be alive in the race.

B Siva at work making a belt with a bicycle tyre at Pasingapuram in Madurai| N Vajiravelu

Not only has the fancy belts are a big demand among the public, it has also opened up new avenues for the family of T Balasubramani (69), who earlier only used to scrape by. According to him, entry of Chinese products killed many domestic footwear units, as the indigenous producers did not have enough resources to compete with big companies.

“We have been cobblers for three generations. Earlier, we used to make slippers out of used tyres and tubes, but when big companies entered the fray, we were sidelined. While there were over 30 units functioning out of the city, now ours is the only family alive in the field,” Balasubramani said.

Apart from being cheaper, the belts made out of discarded tubes were treated with chemicals to make them hygienic, he said, adding this also helped in making country cleaner, as only waste products were required for making.

“People had begun to prefer silicon-made footwear over leather or rubber, rendering our business redundant,” says B Esakki Muthu, one of Balasubramani’s three sons, adding it was the necessity to survive that made them improvise.

“The idea to make belts was proposed by B Siva (35), our youngest brother. Though initially all were skeptical of the venture succeeding, lack of options forced our hands,” said Babu, Balasubramani’s second son. As the products began finding good patronage, Siva started making wallets and vehicle covers using tubes, Babu added.

Explaining the process, Siva said, “First, the tubes are washed with water, detergent and ammonia. Later, they are dyed in colour. This ensures that the chemicals are not harmful and the product is hygienic.”

As tyres do not absorb normal paints, the family again improvised and started using paints used for dyeing silk or printed saris,  Esakki Muthu said.

“We approached Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) several times for financial aid but they refused to help. Government agencies should come forward to lend a helping hand to such novel business models,” said Balasubramani.

“If financial assistance is given, we will expand to a medium scale enterprise. This will only add to the economy, as expansion will pave the way for employment of several people,” he added.

The belts, priced at `300, have already kindled an interest among a few distributors, the family patriarch said.

http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/Cobblers-Family-Buckles-Up-to-Meet-Chinese-Challenge/2015/01/07/article2607487.ece