To cater to the ever increasing quality control needs of growing MAN-MADE TEXTILES industry around the city of Surat in South Gujarat, in late nineteen seventies, an idea was mooted to set up a full-fledged independent Research Association for the region. MANTRA was to be set up on similar lines as other National Textile Research Associations.
 
This was with a view to carry out research and development activities as well as to provide testing and technical service facilities to the man-made fibre textiles industry, in particular, and other allied industries, in general, in South Gujarat.

The idea was supported by the State Government as well as Central Government and the State Government provided land free of cost for the purpose as well as earmarked funds for the building construction and purchase of essential equipments to carry out research and testing activities. Since its inception in 1981, over the last 20 years, MANTRA has equipped itself sufficiently through the grants provided by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, and the support of the local industry. Throughout these twenty years, efforts have been made to fulfill the laid-out objectives of MANTRA, and to promote quality, reduce cost of production, process development and control of pollution and environment protection. MANTRA is one of the eight National Textile Research Associations (TRAs) and the leading TRA in man-made fibres, linked to the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, and recognised as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (SIRO) by Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. 
 
To serve the local textile industry more effectively, MANTRA keeps close liaison with the industry around, in general, and the five leading local co-operative textile societies, in particular, viz., (a) The Surat Art Silk Cloth Manufacturers Association (SASCMA), (b) The Surat Vankar Sahkari Sangh Ltd., (c) The SASME Co-operative Society Ltd., (d) The Udhna Group of Weavers Producers Co-operative Society Ltd., (e) The South Gujarat Processors Association.