Arpico opens solid wood furniture manufacturing plant

Richard Pieris and Company Limited (RPC), ventured into solid wood furniture manufacture under their strategic diversification plan.

RPC Timberline (Pvt) Ltd. was opened in Horana recently with the participation of Dr. Sarath Amunugama, Minister of Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion, Minister Naveen Disanayake, Minister of Investment Promotion, BOI Chairman Dhammika Perera, Dr. Sena Yaddehige and the Board of Directors of RPC.

The purpose built Timberline factory, a BOI venture established with an investment of Rs. 100 million is equipped with the latest technology and modern facilities for solid wood furniture manufacturing, treating and processing. The automated facility is geared to operate on long shifts and is expected to turn out bedroom sets, dining room sets and living room suites, in large quantities in relatively short time spans.

Dr. Yaddehige said, "While further strengthening the position of RPC as a conglomerate in the local market and to penetrate the global business arena, we have set up this operation with an investment of Rs. 100 million. We have plans to provide employment for more than 200 people on completion of the whole project. Investments of this nature show RPC's commitment to uplift the lifestyles of local and rural communities, the country's economy and its stakeholders.

This investment also shows the trust we have placed in our country and its people during this trying phase of time."

At Timberline household furniture would be manufactured using mahogany, teak, eucalyptus and treated rubber.

The products will be sold in local and export markets.

The project will primarily add value to the vast timber resources in our plantations. The manufactured branded furniture will be sold via our local distribution network, retail chain and exported to selected overseas markets.