Garment dyeing plant opened in Sri Lanka
Mon, 2014-10-30 05:06
By Quintus Perera – Asian Tribune
Asian Tribune, Thailand
Colombo, 29 October, (Asiantribune.com): Apparel giants Quantum Clothing Group, UK, Brandix Lanka Limited and Lanka Equities (Pvt) Limited formed a three-way joint venture, resulting in the opening of Stevensons Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, an exclusive garment dyeing operation at the Biyagama Export Processing Zone, Walgama
Ashroff Omar, CEO of Brandix Lanka Ltd, Shahid Sangani, Managing Director, Lanka Equities (Pvt) Ltd, Roshini Sangani, Director, Lanka Equities (Pvt) Ltd, Mike Shotton, Chairman of Quantum Clothing Group, UK and Professor Lakshman Wattawala, Chairman of the Board of Investment (BOI) were among those present at the inauguration.
Mike Shotton, Chairman of Quantum Clothing Group, UK said that this venture will go a long way in reaching our goal of expanding their business and they aim to capitalize on the lower operational costs in Sri Lanka in comparison with the United Kingdom.
Prof Watawala said that a UK investor has identified the right partners in order to undertake this project. This is definitely going to be a success because of the expertise of Stevensons UK and the local operational knowledge of Brandix Lanka Ltd and Lanka Equities (Pvt) Limited.
The plant is the only of its kind in Sri Lanka has already begun commercial operations and the first phase of the project included the installation of Dytex machinesused for dyeing cotton garments as well as the Side Paddle garment-dyeing machines, used for dyeing softer garments such as lambs wool, cashmere, acrylic and more sensitive blends of cotton and woolen garments.
All these machines have a rated capacity of 5,500 pieces per day based on a 12-hour shift, which can be increased to 24 hours a day in response to increased demand. Additional machines will be installed at the plant resulting in the second phase of the project being initiated.
The total investment for the complete project is US$ 1.32mn (LKR 132 million) with the joint venture equaling one third between all three parties.
The Quantum Clothing Group, UK was created as a result of a management buyout of Coats Viyella in December 2000. The group has an annual turnover of US$ 190mn and produces a range of products in 11 countries. Employing 4,000 people, the Group is represented in Sri Lanka through Quantum Clothing Lanka (Pvt) Ltd and now Stevenson’s Lanka Limited. They also have a company called Jeweltex, which is an underwear manufacturer based at Horana.
Brandix Lanka Limited is the single largest Apparel exporter in Sri Lanka with an annual consolidated group turnover that exceeds US$ 280mn. Brandix provides employment to 18,500 people as well as generating indirect employment of an equivalent number. The Group’s command of its supply chain in both woven and knits is its key strength; this includes Apparel Manufacturing and Finishing, Design and Development, Fabric and Accessories including thread, buttons and hangers. This partnership augments its ‘Finishing’ capacity.
Lanka Equities (Pvt) Limited is among the top apparel exporters in Sri Lanka. It has five apparel-manufacturing facilities, five strategic manufacturing partners as well as three apparel support services. It provides employment to 5,500 employees whilst generating turnover in excess of US$ 75mn from apparel-manufacturing operations in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
– Asian Tribune –
