Brandix ranked Sri Lanka's
largest apparel exporter by EDB
Brandix, the Sri Lankan apparel powerhouse with
global aspirations, has been formally confirmed as the country's
largest apparel exporter by the Export Development Board (EDB).
A ranking of Sri Lanka's top six exporters on the basis of
export turnover was released by the Board this week, at a
meeting convened for Minister of Export Development and International
Trade Prof. G. L. Peiris to meet representatives of the six
organisations for a discussion.
Brandix, with a consolidated group turnover of US $ 320 million
(LKR 32 billion) for the year ending March 31, 2007, is the
highest ranked apparel sector player among the top six exporters.
Commenting on the formal recognition of the group's contribution
to the national economy, Brandix CEO Ashroff Omar said: "Brandix
has been making substantial investments in Sri Lanka and it
is encouraging to see that our efforts have contributed very
tangibly to the export economy of the country."
Brandix has pursued an aggressive growth strategy to counter
the challenges of the post quota regime. Over the last three
years it has invested USD 66 million (LKR 6.6 billion) and
in the last year alone the Group has invested more than USD
25 million (LKR 2.5 billion) to expand its Sri Lankan operations,
with investments of US $ 35 million (LKR 3.5 billion) in the
pipeline for the new financial year.
Mr. Omar said the group, which provides direct employment
to over 20,000 people, had invested in manufacturing infrastructure
for new product categories like Activewear, and in the enhancement
of its Research & Development and design capabilities.
Elaborating on some of the Group's recent investments in Sri
Lanka, he said the Brandix Centre of Inspiration (BCI) the
Group Casualwear Cluster's one-stop point for design to delivery,
has already contributed in terms of productivity and effectiveness.
BCI is a 250,000 square foot state-of-the art, uniquely designed
facility housing a top notch product development and design
centre, central warehousing and cutting facility, marketing
and merchandising operations.
Another recent investment, Sintesi Limited, will provide research,
design, and manufacture of moulded products. This new venture
will add value to the manufacture of intimate apparel and
will commence operations at a 10 acre facility in April 2007.
Focused on innovation, the operation is equipped with state-of-the-art
hot-melt, foam moulding, bonding machines and other equipment.
In September 2006 Brandix formed a three-way joint venture
with Quantum Clothing Group, UK and Lanka Equities (Pvt) Limited
to establish Stevensons Lanka (Pvt) Limited, an exclusive
garment dyeing operation at the Biyagama Export Processing
Zone. The plant is the only exclusive dyeing plant in the
country and is equipped with state-of-the-art machines for
dyeing cotton garments as well as softer garments such as
lamb's wool, cashmere, acrylic and more sensitive blends of
cotton and woollen garments.
Brandix has also ventured into innovative related vertical
operations such as the Brandix Apparel City in India, a 1000-acre
apparel manufacturing park which is expected to generate investments
of US $ 1 billion in its first five years. This mega undertaking
has also paved the way for Brandix to create opportunities
for organizations aspiring to provide related services at
a global level. In February, the Hayleys Group's third party
logistics specialist Logiwiz entered in to an agreement with
Brandix to set up and manage a US $ 15 million central logistics
hub for the Apparel City.
"We are firmly rooted in Sri Lanka and are committed to investing
in the future of the country's apparel industry, whilst leveraging
on our expertise and experience to position Sri Lanka as a
regional apparel hub." Mr. Omar said.
Brandix, which comprises 25 fully-integrated manufacturing
facilities backed by strategically located international sourcing
offices, is a preferred solutions provider to some of the
world's best brands, including Gap, Marks & Spencer, Victoria's
Secret, NEXT and Abercrombie & Fitch. The Group specializes
in casual bottoms, intimate and active wear, textiles, knitted
fabrics, sewing and embroidery thread, accessories and hangers,
and offers wet processing and finishing and fabric printing.
Brandix facilities in Sri Lanka comply with global standards
and practices that exceed customer expectations. The company
is a member of the Worldwide Responsible Apparel Production
(WRAP) Certification Programme and firmly adheres to its principles,
ensuring that apparel is produced under lawful, humane and
ethical conditions. Brandix also follows SA 8000 social accountability
standards and was recently awarded the Occupational Safety
& Health Assessment Series (OSHAS): 18001:1999, an accreditation
that encourages continuous improvement in workplace health
and safety. This is in addition to the Group's investment
in Greener Production Techniques, waste reduction, waste water
management and energy saving initiatives, best practices that
will be extended to its operations in India, through training
and other initiatives.
March, 28 2007 |
