Timex & Fergasam start operations in Mannar
Sri Lanka’s Timex and Fergasam Group (T&FG), a manufacturer and
exporter of high quality garments is ready to commence the construction
of twin apparel factories in Mannar Industrial Zone approved by Board of
Investment (BOI) end of June 2012. This proposed US $ 5 million worth
factory, a first in the Mannar region will be ready for commercial
operations by January 2013. According to the Group Chairman with the
commencement of the new factory complex over 1,200 employment
opportunities would be created for the people in the area.
The group is now mainly focused on going green due to the increasing
concerns about environmental impact from industries, particularly global
warming. Keeping with the principals of minimizing environmental impact,
the new building factory premises will incorporate a number of measures
to reduce energy consumption and water usage. The cuts in energy use are
also expected to directly benefit the company by reducing electricity
costs. According to the Group Maintenance Manager the company is
planning to install Solar PV system and Net Metering system to the
factories where excess energy will be added to the national grid.
The new building factory will utilize energy efficient modern
computerized machinery, fuel efficient boilers and air compressors to
minimize the environmental impact. “We will install the latest energy
efficient air conditioning system in the two new building factories
where the cost saving will be one fourth the cost of electricity for air
conditioning. This will have less strain on the national grid as well.
We will reduce water consumption by using water efficient features such
as flush waves, water efficient fixtures and storm water management
system to get water for factory use,” said Group Maintenance Manager.
Accordingly these energy conservation measures will reduce the carbon
footprint by a substantial amount.
Further Mannar is considered as the driest area in the country with a
high level of sunlight available throughout the year. Considering this
factor T&FG is planning to use natural light to lighten the building.
Moreover solar energy and energy saving lamps will be used instead of
conventional lighting system.
The construction of the project is totally eco-friendly where all the
existing greenery at the site will be relocated. Also the factory will
consist of a waste recycle plant.The group is also planning to develop a
wind power project in the Mannar Island. This project will bring social
and economic benefits to the Mannar district as well as to the country.
In addition to the energy saving environmental friendly projects, the
factory will also consist of facility building which has the latest
sanitary facilities, meeting areas, cafeteria, training school, lockers
for employees, medical centre and the factory premises will be in
compliance with all relevant fire and safety requirements. The building
will be designed for efficient production, a comfortable atmosphere, and
low energy consumption with adequate circulation paths and barrier-free
accessibility throughout the building. With this upcoming factory
premises employee conditions and living standards in the Mannar district
will also improve over time.
The upcoming factories will be the 18th and 19th manufacturing
facilities to be set up by the apparel group. Timex & Fergasam currently
employs more than 10,000 across its 17 manufacturing facilities with
offices in UK and Hong Kong. The group has been in operation since 1976,
producing high fashion garments to the leading markets in the EU and the
USA.
BOI Chairman M M C Ferdinando stated “Environmental factors are an
important variable which international investors take into consideration
when making their choices. Sri Lanka has the advantage of having high
environmental standards. Already a number of companies that operate
under the BOI regime have taken the lead by setting up green factories.”
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