Brandix conducted the ‘Ran Daru Thilina’ initiative for the fifth consecutive year, providing over 8,500 children of the company’s Associates with schoolbags and stationery items for the new school year in an effort to inspire their education.

Since its inception in 2016, ‘Ran Daru Thilina’ has enriched the lives of over 28,000 children of Brandix Associates from nursery age to Grade 5. The schoolbag for children between Grade 3 – 5 contains exercise books, drawing books, colouring and standard pencils, rulers, glue and other essential items, while the schoolbags of younger children also include modelling clay, scissors and crayons.

Employees of the Executive cadre of Brandix too extended their support towards the distribution of schoolbags to children at their respective facilities, ensuring Group-wide involvement towards this endeavour.

Commenting on the initiative, Anusha Alles, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility of Brandix Apparel Limited said, “Ran Daru Thilina is a CSR initiative that is very close to our hearts. The cost of a child’s booklist for the year is a daunting expense for most to bear, and we felt the need to step in and help alleviate this burden for our Associates. In continuing this commitment for the past five years, it has been truly fulfilling to witness the development of these children as they pursue their education unhindered on a journey to become well-rounded, educated citizens of Sri Lanka.”

This year, children of 6,800 Brandix Associates employed across 25 facilities in Sri Lanka benefitted from the Brandix ‘Ran Daru Thilina’ initiative. Additionally, Brandix also facilitates the ‘Ran Daru Scholarship’ scheme, under which financial assistance is extended to Grade 5 children of Associates. This is also part of Brandix’s mission to inspire the education of children and improve the quality of life for its employees.

Brandix, the single largest employer in Sri Lanka’s Export industry and adjudged ‘Exporter of the Year’ at the 2018/19 Presidential Export Awards, operates apparel manufacturing units in Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, Haiti and Cambodia. On a journey to deliver Inspired Solutions at every point of its operations, the company continues to develop, manufacture and market end-to-end apparel solutions to world-renowned brands, whilst inspiring sustainable development in the communities it operates.

Mr. Basil Rajapaksa, Special Representative of the President and Head of the Presidential Task Force on Economic Revival and Poverty Eradication, symbolically handed over the first batch of face masks from a production of 200 million face masks for export by Brandix, to U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives Alaina B. Teplitz.

The handover took place at the Brandix Headquarters on 14th May 2020 in the presence of Mr. A. Sukumaran – JAAF Chairman, Mr. Ashroff Omar – Brandix Group Chief Executive Officer and Ms. Ranga Ranmadugala – Board Member of Brandix Apparel Limited.

U.S Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives Alaina B. Teplitz expressed her appreciation to Mr. Basil Rajapaksa and Brandix. “As the world combats this global pandemic, the long friendship between the United States and Sri Lanka is helping both our countries overcome this challenge. Our collaboration has resulted in quality products that can help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Impressively, the fabric used for the face masks was produced in Sri Lanka, while the chemicals used for the antimicrobial finish were made in the United States, demonstrating a synergy that benefits all. We look forward to continuing our cooperation with the Sri Lankan Government and Brandix to sustain the global supply of PPE.”

Mr. Basil Rajapaksa, Special Representative of the President and Head of the Presidential Task Force on Economic Revival and Poverty Eradication said, “We are proud that products manufactured in Sri Lanka such as these 200 million face masks are being exported to nations like the US, where it will play a vital role in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic. This collaboration between the two countries has resulted in sustaining our national economy, in addition to paving way for global customers to reach out to Sri Lanka for quality products in the months ahead. We are glad that a leader in apparel like Brandix utilized its resources to lead the way in this journey, giving the global market a glimpse of the advanced infrastructure and agility that is already in place within Sri Lanka, in order to meet the current and future market demands.”

The face masks produced by Brandix have been manufactured combining the efforts of over 15,000 of the company’s Associates and an extended network of several supply chain partners in the country. The face masks, produced as 3-ply and of cotton-based fabric with antimicrobial finish, is stretchable for better fit and meet stringent hygiene standards.

Speaking on the endeavour, Ms. Ranga Ranmadugala – Board Member of Brandix Apparel Limited commented, “The apparel industry is a key export revenue generator in Sri Lanka, generating $5.6 billion of exports in the last fiscal year itself. However, the unavoidable decline in trade and production output resulting from the COVID-19 crisis, has left the industry facing its toughest predicament in recent times, impacting Sri Lanka’s positioning against other apparel export markets. In this daunting background, the production of a large volume of face masks for export to the US is truly heartening as it reaffirms the continued trust and partnership the two nations uphold.” She added, “Despite the challenging conditions and the tough road ahead, the industry will continue to do its part to combat potential long-term impacts of the pandemic and bring in revenue to replenish the national economy. We are also happy that we can continue to sustain livelihoods through continued production as well. As a leader in apparel, we assure the Government of Sri Lanka that we will do our utmost to support the journey ahead.”

Brandix was awarded the highest accolade under the ‘Best Liquidity & Investment Solution’ category at The Asset Triple A Awards 2020 for its global Interest Enhancement (IE) solution facilitated by HSBC.

The IE solution, effective across Australia, India, Hong Kong, Mauritius, Singapore, Sri Lanka, United States and the United Kingdom, provides Brandix with an innovative and best-in-class solution to optimise its cash and interest yields globally within complex regulatory settings. It also enables Brandix to increase visibility and control globally via a single banking platform for all payments and collections, including standardised processes for effective management. This transformation took place following the centralisation and setting up of Brandix’s Treasury hub, collections and trading arm in Singapore, during which HSBC played an integral role as the company’s consultative partner as well.

Priyanke Perera, Head – Global Treasury of Brandix commented on the achievement, “We are honoured to be recognized at The Asset Triple A Awards 2020 for our efforts towards excellence in operational efficiency and optimisation of cash through the IE solution. HSBC has been our trusted advisor for over twenty years now and has a good understanding of our financial infrastructure and requirements. When exploring the option for a flexible and scalable solution to meet our unique business model, HSBC provided us with a solution leveraging their global network, capabilities and technology to best suit our needs. As a result, we are better able to centralise liquidity globally across Asia Pacific, United States and the United Kingdom with automated payments and reconciliation.”

Stuart Rogers, Head of Wholesale Banking HSBC Sri Lanka and Maldives commented on the recognition, “Our warmest congratulations to Brandix on winning the highest accolade awarded by The Asset Triple A Award 2020 under the Best Liquidity & Investment Solution category. We are very proud of this global recognition and the role HSBC played in setting up of their treasury, collection and trading hub based out of Singapore, especially the IE (Interest Enhancement) solution for global liquidity requirements. This is a landmark achievement in our decades long partnership with Brandix. We look forward to working together for many years more, supporting them with the strength of our expertise and the backing of our global network.”

Harish Venkatesan, Singapore Head of International Subsidiary Banking, Commercial Banking, HSBC also commented on the award, “Congratulations to Brandix for winning The Asset Triple A Best Liquidity and Investment Award. We continue to journey together with Brandix and work closely as Brandix’s operate its treasury hub, collections and trading arm in Singapore for operational efficiency. This is attestation to the strong strategic relationship between Brandix and HSBC, between Sri Lanka and Singapore corridor, to help Brandix across their operations on a global scale. With new developments in the treasury digital space and cash optimisation, Brandix would reap greater benefits from their automated liquidity management solution.”

Interest Enhancement (IE) has benefited Brandix by allowing 100% utilisation of HSBC’s operating balances participating in the service; as a result, IE improved Brandix’s yield for credit balances. It is well suited to both open as well as more restrictive markets with capital movement or FX controls, where regulation permits. The solution provides total transparency from a pricing and taxation perspective and ensures operating risk and cost are properly managed in the process without affecting the underlying banking structure and working capital requirements.

The Asset Triple A Treasury, Trade, SSC (Sustainable Supply Chain) and Risk Management Awards are industry excellence recognitions awarded annually to companies and financial institutions that have launched or helped implement initiatives in corporate treasury management, trade finance, supply chain and/or risk management. They are awarded to corporates (Triple A Client Awards) and financial services providers (Triple A Service Provider Awards), on in-country/territory as well as regional levels in Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe and North America.

The award was accepted by Brandix Directors Ranga Ranmadugala and Dave Ranasinghe (L to R) on behalf of the company

 

Brandix was declared Sri Lanka’s ‘Exporter of the Year’ by the Export Development Board (EDB), in recognition of the company’s contribution to the nation’s economy at the 23rd Presidential Export Awards 2018/19, presided over by President Maithripala Sirisena.

The coveted top award, singling out Brandix as the highest contributor to the national economy across all categories of exports, was among six awards presented to the company. The awards, ‘Globally Operated Highest Foreign Exchange Earner’, ‘Net Foreign Exchange Earner’, ‘Employment Provider in the Export Industry’, ‘Contributor from the Regions to the Export Supply Chain’ and ‘Best Exporter Award – Apparel Sector’ were the other big wins for Brandix.

“As we humbly accept the recognition bestowed to our company by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, we acknowledge the vision and drive of a legacy, Mr. Martin Trust, who was instrumental in transforming the Sri Lankan Apparel industry and Brandix to become what it is today. Our progressive journey stems from his extraordinary mentorship and guidance, while our continued strength and success lies in the passion and dedicated efforts of our 60,000+ family of Inspired People,” said Chief Executive Officer of Brandix, Ashroff Omar.

This year marks the sixth ‘Exporter of the Year’ award for Brandix. As reinforced through its corporate DNA, Brandix continues to inspire and establish a sense of purpose in its people through its values of respect, integrity, teamwork and excellence. The company also remains true to its commitments towards the planet, as demonstrated through its sustainability journey and the most recent milestone of achieving the world’s first ‘Net Zero Carbon’ status for its manufacturing facility in Batticaloa. On a journey to deliver Inspired Solutions at every point of its operations, Brandix continues to develop, manufacture and market end-to-end apparel solutions to world-renowned brands, whilst inspiring sustainable development in the communities it operates in.

The Presidential Export Awards organized by the EDB is the highest form of recognition for top performing exporters with outstanding contributions towards national development. The award winners embody excellent competitive adherence in the exporting field and are selected through criterions based on exceptional product and market development aptitudes whilst fulfilling other social and environmental responsibilities.

The Batticaloa factory of leading Sri Lankan apparel solutions provider, Brandix, is the world’s first manufacturing facility to achieve ‘Net Zero Carbon’ status. This signifies that the Brandix factory in Batticaloa has completely neutralized its environmental impact through carbon dioxide emissions by being highly energy efficient and using on-site renewable energy resources.

Recognised by the World Green Building Council (WGBC), the ‘Net Zero Carbon’ certification is issued by the Leonardo Academy and comes in the background of countries around the world examining ways in which to minimise their contribution towards drastic climate change.  

“In 2007, when we began our journey in Sustainability, we envisioned Brandix becoming the most sustainable apparel manufacturer in Asia. Soon after, we went on to achieve a global milestone in 2008 by securing the world’s first LEED Platinum certification for our factory in Seeduwa, setting the trend for other manufacturers to follow in our wake. It is truly a monumental milestone for us, therefore, to secure another world first, by achieving Net Zero Carbon status for our factory in Batticaloa, as the first Sri Lankan company and apparel manufacturer to join in on the World Green Building Council Commitment. Striving for excellence at every stage of our business, we will continue to work towards our goals in Environmental Sustainability on an inspired journey to lead the way and become a global benchmark,” said Ashroff Omar, Group Chief Executive Officer of Brandix.

The achievement of this milestone is in alignment with Brandix’s commitment to the WGBC, where Brandix has pledged that all factories located in Sri Lanka, under the company’s direct control, will be Net Zero Carbon in operation by 2023. To achieve this ambitious goal, its decarbonisation strategy involves on-site renewable energy generation – with Brandix currently adding nearly 20MW of solar and biomass to its current energy mix, and resource optimisation strategies with installation of technologically advanced and energy efficient air compressors, HVAC systems, sewing machines, lighting and building fabric. 

“We welcome the sustainability leadership action demonstrated by Brandix in joining the Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment,” said Cristina Gamboa, Chief Executive Officer of the World Green Building Council. “As both the first Sri Lankan company and the first apparel manufacturer to commit to net zero carbon buildings across its operations, Brandix is setting an example in leading the transition towards net-zero buildings in Sri Lanka and within its industry.”

This is the second major sustainability milestone for the Brandix Batticaloa factory, which achieved the highest Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum rating in Sri Lanka, which is also the second highest rating in the world.

The Brandix Group has provided sponsorship support for the 2018 National Occupational Safety & Health (OSH) Conference of Sri Lanka as a key corporate partner for the ninth year.

Organised by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) of the Ministry of Labour, this year’s conference, part of the National Occupational Safety & Health Week, was themed ‘OSH Management System Implementation and Occupational Disaster Preparedness.’

In keeping with the theme, the objective of this year’s conference was to create awareness and improve health and safety in the workplace as a productivity and economic development strategy by establishing an OSH management system. The event also served as a platform to reward and promote OSH professionals.

“At Brandix, occupational health and safety has always been a top priority, and we strive to inspire our people to focus on achieving excellence in this sphere, which is why we continue to be a consistent supporter of this event,” said Air Chief Marshal (Retd) Harsha Abeywickrema, Director of Brandix Apparel Limited. “Achieving the highest standards for occupational safety and health also helps drive productivity and is an important element in our company’s culture of compliance.”

In 2009, the second week of October was designated as the ‘National Occupational Safety & Health Week’ by the Sri Lanka Cabinet of Ministers. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health commemorates this week annually with the participation of its tripartite constituents to develop a safe culture across all work places island-wide. The Institute also uses this opportunity to emphasise on the importance of establishing an OSH management system in industries to minimise occupational hazards and accidents.

Brandix, the single largest employer in Sri Lanka’s export sector and adjudged ‘Globally Operated Highest Foreign Exchange Earner’ at the 2018 Presidential Export Awards, will continue its commitment to support events connected with the National Safety Week initiative.

Achieving yet another milestone in the ‘Inspired People’ journey at Brandix, 161 female Associates from Brandix Lingerie (BLI) Wathupitiwala graduated from the Personal Advancement & Career Enhancement (P.A.C.E.) programme recently, marking the highest number of graduates for a cluster within the Brandix Group.

Significantly, BLI Wathupitiwala was also the first cluster to have a group of 13 Associates certified as P.A.C.E. Internal Trainers, who are qualified to conduct the programme for other Brandix Associates. P.A.C.E. provides its participants exposure to foundational life skills and technical training that will empower them to advance in the workplace and their personal lives.

Significantly, BLI Wathupitiwala was also the first cluster to have a group of 13 Associates certified as P.A.C.E. Internal Trainers, who are qualified to conduct the programme for other Brandix Associates. P.A.C.E. provides its participants exposure to foundational life skills and technical training that will empower them to advance in the workplace and their personal lives.

The P.A.C.E. programme comprises of eight modules of life skills education including Communication, Problem Solving & Decision Making, Time & Stress Management, Water, Sanitation & Hygiene, Financial Literacy, Legal Literacy & Social Entitlement, General & Reproductive Health, and Execution Excellence.

“For the P.A.C.E. program to be successful, it requires a strong partnership,” said Elvis Francis, Director at Gap Inc. “We’re proud of our continued work with Brandix to support its workforce and promote learning and skills-training. And we congratulate the new P.A.C.E. graduates on this important accomplishment.”

Launched in 2007, Gap Inc.’s P.A.C.E. programme is conducted in 16 countries including India, Cambodia, Vietnam, Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Pakistan, Jordan, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. Research indicates that P.A.C.E. graduates are more productive, have lower rates of absenteeism, and are promoted faster than factory workers who do not participate in the programme.

In addition to the P.A.C.E. programme, Brandix has also graduated 35 female mechanics that completed on-going in-house training courses on sewing machine maintenance and repair, reiterating the company’s commitment towards empowering its female employees.

Brandix celebrated inspiring workplace contributions at the Group’s annual awards extravaganza recently, singling out for honour 45 Associates out of a 50,000 Associate base employed in Sri Lanka, India and Bangladesh.

The annual Brandix ‘Rasadiya Mangalya’ (Mercury Festival) held at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium, witnessed Sri Lanka’s top exporter recognising Employees of the Year (EOYs) and Supervisors of the Year (SOYs) who played significant roles in the Group’s growth in 2017. Of these, 27 employees from Sri Lanka and 10 from overseas were presented the EOY accolade, while 5 from Sri Lanka and 3 from overseas received the SOY awards.

Each Employee of the Year and Supervisor of the Year received a trophy of appreciation as well as a company-sponsored study tour to China, India or Bangladesh, and in Sri Lanka for those attached to the Group’s overseas plants.

Each Employee of the Year and Supervisor of the Year received a trophy of appreciation as well as a company-sponsored study tour to China, India or Bangladesh, and in Sri Lanka for those attached to the Group’s overseas plants.

The Group also used the Brandix Rasadiya Mangalya platform to reward mechanical excellence of Associates with Rs 2.5 million in cash prizes to three individual mechanics and their respective teams that secured the first three places in the annual Brandix ‘Mech Challenge’ – a group-wide competition in mechanical proficiency.

A new feature at the eighth edition of the awards ceremony was the felicitation of 29 University students – children of Brandix Associates – who are current recipients of Randaru Scholarships by Brandix to pursue their University education.

Another element of the Brandix Rasadiya Mangalya was the ‘Rasadiya Hiru’ (Mercury Sun) awards for best delivery of HR-related key performance indicators.

The day-long Brandix Rasadiya Mangalya commenced with the finals of the annual Brandix ‘Rasadiya Kusalanaya’ Volleyball tournament for Non-Executive staff, and concluded on a high note with the colourful finals of two talent competitions that promote and recognise the non-work-related talents of Brandix Associates in Sri Lanka – the ‘Rasadiya Gee Tharuwa’ (Singing Star) and the ‘Rasadiya Narthana Tharu’ (Dancing Stars) competitions conducted across factories in Sri Lanka. The awards for the finalists of the ‘Rasadiya Nivedana Tharu’ (Announcing Star) competition were also presented during the proceedings.

The Brandix Group and the Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka (VTA) recently signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) denoting a collaboration to break new ground in skills development for Sri Lanka’s Apparel Sector.

The first of these agreements facilitates the creation of an NVQ Level 5 equivalent qualification for Garment Technicians – the first of that level in the Apparel industry – with Brandix assisting the VTA to develop the curriculum and providing training at the Brandix Academy. The Brandix Academy is a new initiative to unleash the technical and leadership potential of individuals through an unconventional and rigorous learning and development process to improve business outcomes with individual growth. This will be further cemented with technical support and guidance from the VTA. Additionally, holders of the nationally-accepted NVQ Level 5 qualifications may apply for a degree at the UNIVOTEC (University of Vocational Technology).

The second Memorandum of Understanding enables Brandix to identify and employ school leavers who have received a three-month training as Industrial Sewing Machine Operators at the VTA’s island-wide network of vocational training centres. Selected trainees will undergo a further three months of training at Brandix business units, after which they will be offered a certificate equivalent to NVQ Level 3 upon completion.

“Elevating the standards of training and technical competency development is essential for our Apparel industry to progress and advance up the value chain,” said Mr Ishan Dantanarayana, Chief People Officer of the Brandix Group and one of the signatories to the two agreements. “As the country’s top-ranked exporter and largest employer, we are delighted to partner with the Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka to steer this process that would provide much value to the Sri Lankan youth and our country as a whole.”

Eng. Dr Lionel Pinto, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka, who signed the agreements on behalf of the authority said: “This is a unique endeavour that fosters the public private partnership thrust between VTA and Brandix which is one of the most renowned and leading companies in the Apparel sector in the country, while this joint venture promotes new openings to the youth to embark on their careers in the Apparel industry by way of skills training and guaranteed employment together. I am also glad to highlight that this initiative has been facilitated by the Policy Development Office of the Hon Prime Minister.”

According to the VTA, NVQ Level 5 status, which is equivalent to a Diploma, has not been defined and made available for any of the job roles in the Apparel industry in Sri Lanka. As a result, the VTA will initially develop the curriculum for Garment Technician positions to be on par with NVQ Level 5 as a national level initiative in line with the signed agreement. For its part, Brandix will support the Authority with technical expertise and provide any other assistance required by the process.

Once the curriculum development is completed at the national level, the VTA will provide necessary technical support and guidance to deliver the training programmes via the Brandix Academy. The Authority will also ensure conformity with the academic standards and quality assurance requirements set out in the skills standard of the NVQ framework, conduct the examination process and issue certificates on par with the standards stipulated under the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC).