T and FG apparel to provide jobs for over 1,000 youth

The Timex and Fergasam Group's (T and FG) apparel complex which is scheduled to commence operations early next year in Mannar will provide over 1,000 jobs to youth in the area.

Work on the $ 5 m apparel project commenced in August this year and is scheduled to be completed within the next few months, said an official of T and FG. "We hope to complete recruitment by the end of this year," he said. The apparel complex will initially provide around 800 jobs and expand to over 1,000 under the second phase.

T and FG investment is the first BOI project launched in Mannar. T and FG is a leading manufacturer and exporter of high quality garments to markets in the EU and the US.

The Group has been in operation since 1967 and has over 10,000 employees in nineteen companies spread across Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

The company has offices in the UK, Hong Kong and Europe. Company sources said that the two factory complexes in the North will increase the number of factories set up by the apparel group to 19.

"We are delighted to set up two factories in the North. The project will pave the way for job opportunities and regional development, a senior manager of the company said. He said that the complex which is built on a six-acre block of land will cater to the export market. The factory complex will be designed for efficient production, with latest sanitary facilities, meeting areas, cafeteria, training school, lockers for employees and medical a centre. The factory premises will be in compliance with safety requirements", a spokesman for the company said.

T and FG which manufactures high fashion garments for women has won many accolades such as the 2006 National Chamber of Export Award and the All Star Award in 2007. -LF