Fine China body introduced to international market

Dankotuwa Porcelain PLC which specialises in white porcelain, and produces a limited quantity of ivory porcelain, has embarked on a project to produce "Fine China". "This is a new body more suitable for everyday use" said Chief Operating Officer Sarath Mallawa Arachchi.

The new "Fine China" body was displayed for the first time at the recent Ambiente Trade Fair in Frankfurt and drew much attention from buyers worldwide.

Fine China is increasingly becoming popular worldwide because more people are looking for "everyday use" product's. Dankotuwa always introduces a new shape, a new body or several new surface patterns regularly to maintain the interest of its international clientele.

Competition in tableware industry is becoming more intense with Bangladesh making huge inroads owing to their cheaper energy, low labour costs, and duty free access to the European market.

"Therefore, we have to innovate all the time", said Chairman and Managing Director Sunil G. Wijesinha. Dankotuwa is currently reviewing its international operations to distinguish itself as a high quality manufacturer with production flexibility for small lots of customised products.

The Frankfurt Fair this time had more visitors than in the previous few years but the continuing recession in the West and the economic woes of many European countries pose more challenges to producers of quality, durable goods than to producers at the lower end of the market.

Dankotuwa Porcelain will face this challenge without compromising its high quality, and would continue to manufacture for the world's more discerning buyers. The development of a new body is one such initiative.

While Chinese products were much talked about earlier at Ambiente Trade Fairs, this year it was all about the rising prices of Chinese products.

Therefore, containing the costs of production will be crucial.

Although the demand from retail customers has dropped, all customers of Dankotuwa products have praised its reliability and on-time delivery, promising to help ride over the recessionary times.

The new items to be produced are being fine-tuned and the first container of "Fine China" will be shipped next month. A limited quantity will be available in the local market by June.