Sri Lanka to become regional apparel sourcing hub

31 May '07

3 min read

India's forth largest state of Andhra Pradesh with a population of 76 million and high female unemployment rates, is working towards having 12 textile plants and 5 Apparel Export Parks by 2010. 1.5 million are set to receive employment at these facilities.

Andhra Pradesh is equipped with a seaport, an international and three domestic airports, and well organized ground transport by road and railway. Many man made fibers are produced in Andhra Pradesh, which is also the third largest producer of India's cotton.

Brandix Lanka with an average turnover of above US$ 320 million, and MAS Holdings with a turnover of around US$700m, is now investing in textile and apparel industrial parks in Andra Pradesh, which is one of India's special economic zones.

The Brandix Apparel City (BAIC) situated 47km from Visakhapatnam will be India's largest vertically integrated apparel project costing around US$ 40 million and spanning over a 1000 acres.

The operation is expected to provide employment for over 60,000 while creating a turnover of over US$ 1 billion offering a complete sourcing solution.

Brandix signed a lease agreement in June last year and expect to begin occupation in August 2007, with, 1600 employees housed in a 3,180 square meter, manufacturing complex.

A US$ 15 million logistics hub will be constructed and managed, by Logiwz a subsidiary of another Sri Lankan multinational, Hayleys, on 20-acres. The hub will have an inland container depot.

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