Browns enters knitted fabric manufacturing industry with US$ 52mn investment

From left: Athula Haputantri, BOI Board Member; Renuka M. Weerakone, BOI Director General; Sanakan Thamotharampillai, Chairman, Browns Fabric; Prithiv Dorai, Director, Browns Fabric; Kenneth Wijesuriya, Director, Browns Fabric, Charitha Jayasingha, Director, Browns Fabric

• Says investment aimed at bridging significant vacuum in supply and demand
• Production to commence in Aug, 2023;  to provide 800 direct employment opportunities

Browns Group subsidiary, Browns Fabric Limited is to invest US$ 52.3 million to set up a weft knit fabric production facility in Wayamba Industrial Zone.
Browns Fabric recently signed the investment agreement with the Board of Investment (BOI) for this state-of-the-art facility, which is expected to commence operations in August 2023. 

“With the infusion of technologically advanced machinery, systems and LEAN design, the fully accredited and certified facility is armed with the expertise to provide a plethora of options to direct brands, regional hubs and apparel manufacturers,” a press release by Browns said.

“Using the finest fibres and yarns in collaboration with regional spinning and knitting partners, the company’s production capability encompasses knitting, dyeing, finishing and printing along with value added mechanical finishes of suede, brush, pre-shrunk and specialised chemical finishes such as bio, antimicrobial, easy-care and water repellent,” it added.

Located 65Km from Colombo at the Browns Industrial Park, Pannala, the infrastructure spans 22.5 acres and is strategically located within close proximity to many major apparel companies and a two-hour delivery radius to serve the key industrial zones in the Western and Central Province. 

Browns said the investment was aimed at bridging a significant vacuum in supply and demand, flexibility and speed to produce fabric to the export-oriented US dollar earning apparel industry in Sri Lanka. 
The project is expected to generate 800 direct employment opportunities while uplifting over 2,000 people and related businesses in the North Western Province and surrounding areas.

Browns Fabric Chairman, Sanakan Thamotharampillai said, “We are pleased to be a part of an initiative that will reap benefits on a cross-section of levels; from targeting foreign revenue and increasing exports, to fostering the local economy and providing much-needed job opportunities, Browns Fabric Limited will consistently and diligently work towards evolving into the leading fabric manufacturer in Sri Lanka.”