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| Sunday, 9 November 2003 |
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| News Business Features Editorial
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Reckitt Benckiser confirms VRS Leading multinational Reckitt Benckiser (Lanka) Ltd (RBLL) will downsize its operations in Sri Lanka, but assured that the bulk of its products will be manufactured in the island. RBLL announced a Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) last week to its staff, numbering 240. The company expects around 200 employees to accept the VRS, which is effective from November 4 to 21. "The VRS is part of the restructuring plan to give preference to our core business of marketing our leading brands in Sri Lanka at an affordable price to consumers," said RBLL Regional Director - South Asia, Chandra M. Sethi. He said most RBLL brands such as Mortein, Disprin, Dettol and Harpic are dominating Sri Lankan households. Sethi said that recent years have not been so good due to increasing competition in the household business. This strategy will enable RBLL to concentrate on brand equity building, marketing and distribution and win over the lost market, he added. "This is a critical time for RBLL in Sri Lanka which is clearly reflected in our performance both operationally and financially. Therefore, it has become imperative for the company to announce the VRS at this juncture," he added. Sethi said the bulk of the product portfolio (80 per cent) will be manufactured in Sri Lanka by a third party, which RBLL expects to adopt self-sustaining and profitable operations. The third party is expected to be Moslanka. However, the multinational expressed commitment to remain in Sri Lanka. "We are committed to this country and will do our utmost to be a partner to long-term progress of the nation and deliver the best value to customers," he added. RBLL operates in numerous product categories in the Sri Lankan FMCG business, ranging from pest control to health and personal care and air care to fabric and surface care. (HS) |
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