Sri Lanka's Timex & Fergasam to setup 'green' units

21 Jun '12

2 min read

The Timex and Fergasam Group of Sri Lanka, a producer-cum-exporter of high quality garments, is set to kick start construction of twin energy efficient 'green' apparel factories in the former war-zone region of Mannar this month.

Being constructed with an outlay of US$ 5 million, the factories are likely to go operational by January 2013, leading to creation of 1,200 jobs in the north-eastern region, which remained a war-zone for three decades till 2009.

The new facilities would incorporate energy efficient air conditioners which would reduce power usage by 25 percent. They would also have fuel efficient boilers and compressors and would employ water efficient fixtures and storm water management systems to ensure adequate water availability.

The project, approved by the Board of Investment (BOI), would also use solar energy and have net metering facility, which would allow it to sell surplus power to the national grid.

According to BOI Chairman MMC Ferdiando, environmental sensitivity and sustainability are the key factors that overseas investors consider while making their choices.

Sri Lanka is already at advantage as it follows high environmental standards. Several companies operating with BOI’s permission have already joined the eco-friendly bandwagon by establishing green factories.

Timex and Fergasam Group currently operates 17 apparel manufacturing units in Sri Lanka, employing about 10,000 people. The company exports its clothing items to the EU and the US.

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India