Elpitiya Plantations strategise with MTI

Elpitiya Plantations Ltd., (EPL), managed by Aitken Spence Plantation Management Limited (ASPM) has with the assistance of international business strategy consultants MTI Consulting, re-examined its operations in view of growing local and international pressures.

Based on MTI's acclaimed 8S Strategic Planning model, EPL re-examined its strategy through a series of several interactive planning sessions and research assignments, which was carried out by a strong management team in EPL under the direction of MTI Consultant Roshanga Wickremesinghe.

The process included a sharp analysis of the planation's key business and environmental issues upon which new strategies and goals, unique to each of the company's thirteen estates were developed, in addition to strengthening EPL's corporate strategy.

Wickremesinghe said the strategies were a combination of diversification and productivity improvements coupled with cost cutting.

Managing Director of ASPM Dr. Rohan Fernando said the Company's strategic plan is aimed at strengthening its revenue portfolio to remain resilient in the face of seasonal effects and other market fluctuations.

Sustaining strategic alliances already developed in diversification and vertical integration of the business is also to be implemented.

The plan is expected to maximise profitability of the thirteen multi-cropped estates whose bottom line is expected to grow in the future. Strategies aimed at creating a turn around in some of the loss making properties have also been developed and are expected to contribute to the company's bottom line in the future.

Whilst a substantial improvement in profitability is expected through a new mindset amongst the key managers and corporate professionals in EPL, the strategic planning exercise did contribute towards the importance of strategising in today's ever changing business environment.