BOI Green Enterprise to start operations in Mannar
The 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 the Mannar Industrial Zone approved by the Board of
Investment (BOI) by the end of June 2012. This proposed US $ 5 million
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 it will provide over 1,200
employment opportunities for the people in the area.
The group is now mainly focused on going green due to the increasing
concerns on 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 a Solar PV system and Net Metering system to the
factories where the 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 the Group Maintenance
Manager. Accordingly these energy conservation measures will reduce the
carbon footprint by a substantial amount.
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 waste recycle plant where
the plant strives toward zero waste inland fills.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.
Chairman of the BOI 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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