SriLanka:TJL set to become the largest weft knit fabric unit

Textured Jersey Lanka (TJL) has recently completed its new major phase of development to become the largest weft knit fabric manufacturer of the country, housing some of the finest modern dye houses.
TJL’s customer profile includes UK’s Next and Marks and Spencer, USA’s Victoria’s Secret, Nike, Ann Taylor and Italian Intimissimi.
Local manufacturers making up the fabric for export include MAS, Brandix, Martins, Hirdaramani and Omega Line.
Inaugurated by the US Ambassador Robert O Blake, the company is employing a team of over 1,200 within its 18 acre green field site at the Seethawaka International Industrial Park.
Already, the apparel industry represents the leading edge of manufacturing success in Sri Lanka. Companies like Brandix, and now Textured Jersey Lanka, demonstrate the potential for firms in other domestic industries to make it big as exporters of top quality manufactured goods.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Blake said, “This is an important occasion, not just for Brandix and its partners, but also as a mark of progress towards greater integration in Sri Lankan apparel industry. By bringing fabric production on shore, the company is diversifying the industry and reducing costs. These together will enhance your efficiency and competitiveness.”
He further noted, “Brandix and its fellow apparel firms can be proud of the vital role they play in Sri Lankan economy. Garment exports had another great year in 2007, generating US $3.3 billion, or over 40 percent of Sri Lanka’s total 7.7 billion dollars in exports. In fact, the United States bought about half of those garments, so there is no question but that the United States and Sri Lanka are in this business together.”

Mr Blake went on to say, “Sri Lanka’s apparel sector leads the world in its high ethical production standards. Their, Garments without Guilt campaign captures the principles of fair wages, good working conditions, and sound environmental practices that show tha that Brandix and others are truly committed to. Those strong ethical standards distinguish Sri Lanka from many other garment producing countries and this will become ever more important as a selling point for products in this highly competitive industry.”

The guest of honour also seemed impressed to read recently about the construction bricks that Brandix developed using waste materials from its garment washing, dyeing and finishing processes. These so-called 'sludge' bricks are the kind of innovation which proves that environmentally sound production is not just the right thing to do, it is also good business, because it can save money both in production and in lower clean-up costs.
Concluding his speech, Mr Blake asserted that the United States and Sri Lanka are definitely in this business together, and the opening of this facility demonstrates that the future remains bright for Brandix, for Textured Jersey Lanka, and also for the two great countries.