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Rocell Bathware unveils Rs. 1.8 billion production facility - August 14, 2009
Rocell, the first bathware manufacturer in the country unveiled its new production facility at Panagoda this morning built at a cost of Rs. 1.8 billion.
Royal Ceramics Chairman Dhammika Perera who is also the chief of the Board of Investment said the investment for the new plant was one of the largest made in the country and places ceramics firmly as a 'thrust industry' in Sri Lanka.
"The global expertise and state of the art equipment at the facility will also place Sri Lanka on the global map of sanitary ware," Mr. Perera said at the inauguration ceremony officiated by Public Administration Minister Sarath Amunugama and Investor Promotions Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa.
The 20000 sq foot production facility which was opened after four years of planning and construction is one of the largest and most sophisticated in South Asia. The plant employs 190 workers with the latest innovations in ceramic technology obtained through Unimak from Turkey and Sacmi from Italy including a 90 cubic meter kiln.
With a production capacity of 250000 pieces annually through its first phase, it can cater to 41% of Sri Lanka's annual requirement of bathware.
However, Rocell Bathware will be focusing on contemporary styles that reflect the modern trends of minimalism and simplicity with their range of bathware. Each piece comes with a 25 year warranty and will ensure that the total cost of ownership remains at a minimum. The designs were made by a special team picked from Milan and Rome. A concept store in Nawala will portray Rocell's new range including co-branded accessories from Italy and a range of floortiles and bathroom walltiles to suit individual needs.
"The bathroom has moved from a functional space, to one that reflects the individual and his lifestyle," Rocell Bathware CEO Tharana Thoradeniya said.
In his remarks Minister Sarath Amunugama explained that cutting edge industries such as ceramics should be encouraged at a time where 'sunset industries' are being phased out. "The Government can no longer rely on loans to carry out investment so we need projects like these to drive our economy forward. Rocell Bathware will help position Sri Lankan products at the top end of bathware products."
Minister Yapa added that the Rocell Bathware facility combined the traditional ceramics industry with modern advanced technology to take the industry to greater heights.
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