The Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation Ltd (KSICL) is flying high with Air India staff opting for its Mysore Silk saris. During the last fiscal, Air India ordered 10,000 saris -- 6000 were delivered for its flight attendants. The remaining 4000 will be given soon for the ground staff.

The government silk weaving factory in Mysuru, established in 1912, taken over by KSIC in 1980 completed 100 years on 2012 is all set celebrate its centenary in August. As part of the celebrations, a special discount on Mysore Silk saris will be offered.

It has been producing pure silk fabrics of top quality under the brand name Mysore Silk since inception. As part of the celebrations, it constructed a centenary bhavan on the factory premise on Manandawadi Road. But due to frequent changes in the managing director and other related issues in the industry, the centenary celebrations couldn't be held. Now, chairman D Basavaraj decided to conduct the centenary celebrations this August.

Chief minister Siddaramaiah is expected to inaugurate the event to be held most probably at Kalamandir or the University of Mysore Senate Bhavan.

KSIC has planned many promotional activities, including a fasion show which will focus on the milestones of the Mysore Silk sari. Basavaraj said that the demand for it has been increasing in the corporate sector and international markets.

Focusing on middle class consumers, KSIC plans to construct a unit in Channapatna at a cost of Rs 9.26 crore. The unit, which will come up on 18 acres, will provide affordable Mysore Silk saris starting from Rs 4000. The unit will have the latest technology and machines.

KSIC recorded turnover of Rs 146.42 crore in fiscal year 2014-15, up from Rs 127.15 crore during 2013-14 and Rs 104.68 in 2012-13. During 2013-14, it was Rs 20 crore profit while during 2014-15, it was Rs 26 crore.