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The Midigama Factory of Loadstar (Private) Limited near Matara was awarded the ISO 14001 certification from the Lloyds Register of Quality Assurance.

The certificate was presented to the Directors of Loadstar by S.K. Shukla, Head of Lloyds Register of Quality Assurance for India and Sri Lanka, at a function at Hotel Taj Samudra. The ISO 14001 certification is awarded for environmental management standards compliance.

Industry partners, government officials and Loadstar employees were present. Dr. Nihal Jinasena, Chairman, Jinasena Group of Companies, said, "This is an extremely prestigious award and a very significant achievement for us. We are the first tyre manufacturer in South Asia and the first company in the rubber industry in Sri Lanka to receive this certification. Sustainable use of natural resources remains a key priority for us. We want to utilise resources in an environmentally sensible and respectful manner." Till to date, the ISO 14001 certification has been awarded to only five companies in Sri Lanka.

The Ekala and Kotugoda tyre factories received the ISO 9002 certification in 1998. Thereafter the Midigama Tyre Division obtained the same certification in 1999 followed by the Midigama Track Division in 2000. The Midigama Tyre Division currently produces solid rubber and pneumatic tyres and rubberised tracks. Loadstar enjoys the unique distinction of being one of only five manufacturers of rubberised tracks globally. Loadstar (Pvt) Ltd. was incorporated in 1984 as a joint venture between the Jinasena Group of Companies (JGC), Sri Lanka and Solideal of Belgium (SB). The joint venture brought together the proven engineering and management capabilities of JGC with the technical know-how in production and the global marketing expertise of SB.

It is a matter of pride for all Sri Lankans that Loadstar has achieved world leadership in highly specialised markets. It is one of the largest foreign exchange earners for the country, contributing to 1.5% of Sri Lanka's export earnings annually.

Approximately 60% of the RSS grade rubber produced in Sri Lanka is consumed by Loadstar. It provides employment opportunities to around 4,500.

Since its inception, the company has been setting pioneering standards in technology. It has been able to fabricate locally, using the expertise of a dedicated band of Sri Lankan engineers, modern and complex machines for the tyre making process.

The reliability and quality of Loadstar products have helped the company earn a significant market share in a tough and competitive global environment. Loadstar exports its products to a large number of countries including USA, Europe, Japan, Australia, Middle East and Africa.

A strong dedicated team of professionals and a strict adherence to international standards in all aspects of business has been the cornerstone of the Loadstar's rapid growth.

Loadstar is currently practising the OHSAS 18001 Standard. Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Systems. It is also in the process of upgrading the ISO 9002 - 1994 certification awarded in 1998 to ISO 9002 - 2000 certification.

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