Sigiri Roofings invests Rs 800 m on new factory

Hemanthi GURUGE

Sigiri Roofings which is engaged in manufacturing roofing sheets and ceiling sheets will introduce their product line to the Sri Lankan market from December.

The total investment of the project is Rs 800 million and will provide 150 to 200 job opportunities for the area.

Sigiri Roofings Chairman S.A Bhimaraja told Daily News Business that Sigiri Roofings is a subsidiary of Nibhi Industries, India. It has been established under the 300 industry Gamata Karmantha Programme in 2009.

Sigiri Roofings will produce quality fibre cement corrugated roofing sheets, ceiling sheets and accessories using modern technology with the modern machinery installed.

"We offer a range of high quality roof sheets at competitive prices, he said.

The overall operation and development of the fiber cement sheet industry is very good in India as well as Sri Lanka. We are expecting to produce around 100,000 metric tons per year, whilst adhering to the rules and regulations stipulated by the Sri Lankan government," he said.

He said with peace the economy has grown at a higher rate. Sri Lanka is gearing up for a construction boom and Indian company has seen a big opening in Sri Lanka. "We are working on obtaining SLS certification after commencing production," he said.

The main ingredients for manufacturing roofing sheets are chrysotile fiber, cement, fillers and water. Crysotile fiber is a mineral and it is imported to the country.

Nibhi Industries has already established two factories to manufacture fiber cement roofing products in Madya Pradesh and the other in Bihar. The third one has been established at Tharawilluwa, Bathuluoya, Sri Lanka. Arrangements are being made to establish the fourth one in Tamil Nadu, he said.

Asbestos became increasingly popular among manufacturers and builders in the late 19th century because of its sound absorption, average tensile strength, and its resistance to fire,heat, electrical and chemical damage. It was used in such applications as electrical insulation for hotplate wiring and in building insulation. When asbestos is used for its resistance to fire or heat, the fibers are often mixed with cement (resulting in fiber cement ) or woven into fabric or mats.