Norlanka expands engagement with local manufacturers via strategic partnership

End-to-end apparel solutions provider, Norlanka, has entered into a strategic partnership with Rich Light Exports Pvt Ltd and Rainbow Fashions Pvt Ltd. The agreement further enhances Norlanka’s capability to fulfil customer requirements by increasing its compliant capacity, while also deepening its commitment to empowering apparel sector SMEs.

Under the partnership, the entire production of Rich Light Exports Pvt. Ltd and Rainbow Fashions Pvt. Ltd. will be acquired by Norlanka Manufacturing Ltd., part of the PDS Multinational Group – which maintains a global footprint in 15 countries and generates over US$ 1 billion in annual turnover. Rich Light Exports and Rainbow Fashions are located in Kekirawa and Ippologama respectively in the Anuradhapura District and provide employment to nearly 1,400 individuals collectively.

Norlanka will support the two facilities to improve their overall capabilities relating to the production of baby and kidswear, particularly in aspects such as compliance and quality, to cater to export markets in North America and Europe. In addition, working capital support will also be provided.

Norlanka is already working with more than 40 SME apparel factories across Sri Lanka, which provide direct employment to over 25,000 individuals in rural areas. These facilities support Norlanka to ship over 20 million garments a year, bringing foreign exchange earnings to the country.

“This strategic partnership, driven by our CEO – GS Periwal, represents the gradual progression of Norlanka’s vision to expand apparel exports from Sri Lanka, by strengthening the capacities and capabilities of our partner factories and SMEs involved in the industry,” Norlanka Manufacturing COO, Mr. Amit Agrawal said. “Through partnerships of this nature, we are sharing our knowledge and capabilities with apparel sector entrepreneurs who aspire to take their businesses to the next level, while maintaining a close eye on their values and zero tolerance indicators that we strongly adhere to.”

“In collaborations with our partners, we focus strongly on best practices and continuous improvement in terms of environmental, social and governance (ESG) indicators and moving towards net zero – in terms of emissions as well as other by-products,” Amit added.

“This agreement further enhances our decade-long collaboration with Norlanka and we take pleasure in taking our partnership to its next phase,” Rich Light Exports and Rainbow Fashions Chairman, Mr. Zubair Jan said. “It ensures a secure pipeline of orders and will enable us to focus more thoroughly on further enhancing the technical aspects relating to production, efficiency and quality, which we are confident will significantly elevate the performance of the two manufacturing units.”

Backed by growth-driven global giant – PDS Multinational Group – Norlanka is a supply chain solutions provider to over 25 brands and high-end retail chains internationally. The value-added solutions that the company provides to customers range from design to delivery as well as providing market research and intel. Since its inception in 2010, the company has grown to become one of the largest non-branded trading offices in Sri Lanka, with a product portfolio ranging from babywear to adultswear in essentials, inner and outerwear categories.