Steely furniture wonders

Ruwanthi Abeyakoon

STEEL MARVELS: The exquisite steel cupboards, cabinets, racks and lockers decorate the houses and the offices. The steel furniture that is arranged in rows in his shop are in different colours and designs. These are the results of the hard work of the Managing Director, Alsan Steel Fabrication, Anton Perera.

After working in many factories he started off his own business. "I gathered knowledge about steel and steel furniture. Then I thought of starting my own business and I put up my factory. I started this business in a small way. At present it has developed and is famous among customers," Perera said.

He manufactures steel cupboards, closets and various types of racks. "We manufacture high quality steel furniture and steel fabricating machines. These are manufactured for office and household purposes," he said.

"We were the first to start Press Form technology in Sri Lanka. The steel is given an embossed look in this technology. It fashions the furniture. It is used when manufacturing cabinets and closets," he said.

"We also manufacture gutters. We have the technology to manufacture them in different colours and different designs. They are used in modern houses. It adds beauty and people like them," he added.

He started this business in 1987 and developed it with the previous work experience. "I worked hard to develop the business. When I started the steel furniture business it was not popular. Many were not involved in this business but the demand was there.

At present the demand has increased," Perera said.

"Our product is environment friendly. It does not pollute the environment. There is a huge demand for timber but timber is limited. Steel furniture provides the solution for this problem. The furniture is durable and easy to transport," he added.

"I have showrooms in Colombo, Kandana and Kapuwatta. I buy sheets from the local market. Then the furniture is manufactured at my factory. We paint them and send them out to various districts including the Eastern Province. I provide transport," he said.

Perera said that people can give their own designs when placing the order or they can select a design they already have. "Our main concern is customer satisfaction. We try to provide our customers with the best product. I provide employment for many through the factory and the showrooms," he said.

Recently he invented a machine that is used for manufacturing steel furniture. "Usually the machinery used for steel furniture is imported from countries like China.

They are expensive and raise the cost. After studying the background of the products I manufactured a folding machine. It was successful. I designed it on my own. With the help of this machine the cost can be reduced. The cost can be cut down by fifty percent. I manufacture these machines in different sizes. They are also adjustable. These machines are manufactured from four feet to ten feet," he explained.

"I hope to introduce this machine to other manufacturers. Nobody in Sri Lanka manufactures this machine. Steel furniture manufacturers can obtain these to reduce their cost and manufacture quality products. Customers will be able to purchase their products at an affordable price," he said.

He said that he centralizes the customers, as they are a part of his business. "We have come a long way and developed our business because of them. I use new technology. I study about the new methods that enter the market and apply them to my business. We import the machines that are not available in Sri Lanka," he said.

Perera hopes to expand his business in the future. "My daughter assists me in my business. I hope to open up more outlets so that customer can access easily. I will also promote the new machine I invented for the benefit of the Lankans," he said.