Yacht sails manufacturing unit opens

Dimension Polyant Lanka (Private) Limited opened a manufacturing plant at Divulapitiya recently.

The opening of the new plant was the result of an agreement Dimension Polyant Lanka signed in July 2008 with the BOI, to establish a unit to manufacture industrial textiles and yacht sails aimed at the export market. Dimension Polyant GmbH/Germany currently operate plants in the USA, Germany and Australia that manufacture sailcloth and membranes. This combination, unique to the sailcloth industry, guarantees total control over processes and product quality. It is important to note that the industrial textiles and sails that are manufactured by Dimension Polyant Lanka (Private) Limited are of superior standards. Sailing is an important sporting activity in many parts of the world.

The group company's strategy of vertical integration to manufacture in future the final product, namely yacht sails also is highly appreciated and welcomed in the international yachting community.

Dimension Polyant, the world's leading sailcloth manufacturer, has developed a complete range of woven and laminated sail material specified for Sports yachts including Super yachts. Yacht owners and sail designers can make their own selection from this array to exactly match individual needs and technical requirements.

The investment for Dimension Polyant Lanka is sponsored by Dimension Polyant GmbH, corporate company, which is based in Germany. The project is an investment of US $ 10.5 million at its final stage. This will create employment opportunities for a work force of 200 for the first and second stages of the project. The state-of-the-art manufacturing plant established according to European standards will be located in Medagampitiya / Minuwangoda. The company will be importing high tech equipment and machinery mainly from Germany to be used in the manufacturing process.

Meinhard Schwendtke stated, 'the industrial textiles and yacht sails have a significant market potential'. He thanked A. M. C. Kulasekara, Deputy Director General of the BOI for the outstanding services provided and expediting the BOI approval process.

Meinhard Schwendtke emphasized the high importance of a well established network in Sri Lanka as any business primarily means people business. 'My experience in working with Sri Lankan management and workforce as Managing Director of about 650 employees over the last eight years has been extremely positive. Benchmarking with other Asian countries Sri Lanka also bears the competitive advantage of favourable Logistic Services'. He added that Sri Lanka offers benefits when manufacturing high quality custom made products in smaller production lots.