SL apparel’s strategic value: Prym Intimates report

06 September 2022, Mumbai:

International apparel firms are doubling down on their investments in Sri Lanka and are expanding their production capacities, sending positive signals even in the midst of a historic political crisis & economic meltdown.

Sri Lanka recently initiated a dedicated fabric processing zone in its Eastern Province, which conforms to high standards of environmental protection and sustainability. Besides strengthening the supply chain and sustainability measures, this move will also enable the country’s apparel exporters to make greater utilization of preferential tariff schemes, by increasing local value addition. Green manufacturing is not just a business buzzword; Sri Lankan apparel industry have amply demonstrated its commitment by embracin this concept arguably much before than competition.

An internationally reputed producer of accessories for the global lingerie industry - Committed to the future – out of tradition. For almost 500 years. The basis of the company’s success has been, right from the start, the clear focus on discerning niche markets, including over two decades in Sri Lanka. It is responsible for providing quality livelihoods for over 500 Sri Lankans, the best testament to any nation is the endorsement value. As per CEO of Prym Group Dr. Ansgar Nonn,” The company has benefited immensely from its presence in Sri Lanka”.

“We are closely monitoring the situation in Sri Lanka, the good bit is what we ourselves have experienced and from the reports of our teams on the ground, disruptions to our operations thankfully have been minimal.

The situation has settled down in recent weeks, but even a few months prior, when the crisis was at its peak, the local team was able to step up and demonstrate phenomenal commitment, resilence and resourcefulness to complete our orders smoothly/near uninterupted. Experientially staging that given our past experiences and the continuous success that our Sri Lankan operations have achieved despite such major obstacles, we are even more bullish on our presence in the island, and to be very frank we are currently in optimistic mindset & are factually in the process of investing in machinery and training for our local teams, in the run upto for the launch of further production capacity,” Nonn stated.

Prologue

To place it on record Sri Lanka has an incredible track record & portfolio when anyone talks about intimate wear. Nearly 5% of the global demand for undergarments on sustained basis is coming from no where else than Sri Lanka. Therefore, given its consistency nation can proudly boast of a robust pipeline of an array of range in the product line viz bras, panties, lingerie, men’s underwear and so to say women’s nightwear.

Reasserting why Sri Lanka is seen as an ideal destination for apparel manufacturing Dr. Nonn stated it was important to consider a country which already had established a higher level of technical expertise, in order to be capable of handling global most quality demanding players like meeting Prym Group’s expectations & requirement for specialized accessories for the global lingerie industry. “We realized very quickly that Sri Lanka was the perfect fit. Even at the time, talent pool Sri Lanka with a literacy rate of 92.5% is one of the most literate anywhere in apparel industry, and therefore immensely adaptable.

Moreover, industry highly regards nation’s work ethos with the industry as a whole having an inherent relentless commitment to social and environmental sustainability in line with heightened global brands’ stated sustainability goals. Considering the Geo-strategic unique tear drop island location, ideally aligned to most of the buyers needs including ours. Over the two decades we have only seen our operations grow from strength to strength, and become an integral and valued component in our global supply chain,” Nonn stated. Not to mention the most invaluable support support recieved from relevant state authorities as a including the BOI in minimizing disruptions caused by recent fuel and energy shortages is an indomitable inspiration for many apparel producing hubs.

Nonn concludes: “I have no hesitation in talking very high about the decades experience here, notwithstanding we have seen at times volatility, but consistently, our ground teams have been incredibly creative and efficient in tackling the challenges/odds we may have experienced, but nothing has ever dampened our work spirit. Reiterating the never say die spirit of the island workforce & work ethics the latest economic & political crisis nation lately has undergone has only served to bring out the best in our people, and nobody can take away credit from them. Furthermore, our workforce spirited performance only validates our underlying original decision to foray into this market, and the let us re-emphasize that prevailing crisis has only served as an opportunity to bring out the best in our people.”

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