ATS ELGI to expand business in Lanka

Ramani KANGARAARACHCHI

ATS ELGI a leading manufacturer and distributor of automotive service equipment in India will expand its business in Sri Lanka by entering the north and east market shortly.

ATS ELGI Managing Director Harjeet Singh Wahan told Daily News Business that the Sri Lankan market for them has grown by 50 percent last year and further 50 percent growth is expected in 2012.

He said Sri Lanka will be benefited by getting the latest technology and knowledge, new employment opportunities apart from a better service to the auto service industry islandwide with this expansion.

ATS ELGI offers the widest range of garage equipment to 45 countries in the world and has earned the tag of a one-stop-shop solution for customers.

The company manufactures or deals in nearly 35 equipment and over 150 tools and accessories, which constitute almost the entire range of equipment required in a garage assuring customers of zero failure in products.

“Our products are well-known among the industry in Sri Lanka for the last forty years under Samuel and Company during its existence and continued to operate separately since 2007. We had only one dealer in Colombo and in the future we will have dealers in Kandy, Jaffna and Galle. The Sri Lankan market is very good for us,” he said.

When asked whether the company is prepared to set up a manufacturing plant in Sri Lanka he said since Sri Lanka is a very small market it is not worthwhile but if there is an opportunity to enter the export market with value added products it will be considered.

“Commenting on the grey areas in doing business in Sri Lanka he said the cost factor is an issue. Also it is better if Sri Lanka could increase efficiency at the port,” he said.

ATS ELGI manufactures garage equipment under eight verticals, namely Lifting Equipment, Body Shop Equipment, Wheel Servicing Equipment, Washing Equipment, Lube Equipment, Diagnostic Equipment, Pneumatic Tools and Special Products.

He said the auto service industry has become extremely competitive and in-depth training of personnel is a crucial factor in customer satisfaction and retention. Therefore, local employees are sent for two weeks training at their highly advanced training center in India enabling them to gain knowledge, skill and confidence about handling automobiles and related service equipment.