An annual event of the CILT, the convention is being hosted here by the Sri Lankan body of the CILT, after a lapse of about two decades. The event will see over 200 international delegates exchange thoughts on current trends in transportation and logistics with about 250 representatives from the local industry.

Commenting on this Mr. Ruwan Waidyaratne, Managing Director – Hayleys Advantis said,

“We take pride in partnering with CILT for this momentous occasion, which showcases the long standing partnership between CILT and Hayleys Advantis. As one of the largest integrated transportation and logistics companies in the country we strive to showcase Sri Lanka’s potential as a regional logistics hub to the rest of the world and believe that the CILT International Convention would be an ideal platform to do so.”

As the Transportation and Logistics arm of diversified blue-chip conglomerate Hayleys Group, Hayleys Advantis draws from its strengths and wide partner network to develop and offer innovative customized solutions to customers both locally and internationally.

In a filing to the Colombo Stock Exchange, the blue chip conglomerate reported a turnover of Rs. 74.3 Bn, a 13% growth from the previous financial year. The PBT grew to Rs. 5 Bn from Rs. 2.6 Bn in 11/12, which was restated in line with SLFRS/LKAS requirements. Earnings per share of the group rose to Rs. 24.73 from Rs.13.90 in 11/12.

“The Group’s performance this financial year is very significant as most sectors posted commendable returns, making 12/13 a historic year for Hayleys”, noted Mr. Mohan Pandithage, Chairman and Chief Executive of Hayleys PLC. “Three of our key sectors; Hand Protection, Purification Products and Transportation & Logistics all individually surpassed a PBT of Rs. 1 Bn., which is truly remarkable” he added.

The other sectors of the Group showed continued improvement. The Construction Materials Sector demonstrated a strong growth and the Fibre Sector, following the implementation of a number of strategies to streamline operational processes, consolidated its turnaround. Losses in the Textiles Sector were curtailed as the company implemented a number of strategic and leadership changes.

The Group benefited from the exceptional performance of the Plantations Sector whilst the Agriculture Sector posted commendable results despite adverse climatic conditions. In Leisure and Aviation, the Amaya Group made a significant contribution to the bottom line whilst The Kingsbury Hotel commenced operations in December 2012, after a major expansion program.

Power and Energy made a strong impact to the Group, with contributions from Wind Power and Industrial Input segments. However, the Consumer Sector was affected by higher interest rates, lower consumer spending and a weaker currency.

Speaking on the conglomerate’s future outlook, Mr. Pandithage noted, “This year’s performance is reflective of our movement towards consolidation of growth. We have ably demonstrated our capability to withstand challenges, and will continue to grow the businesses through market enlargement, product and brand development, R&D, value addition and constant innovation”.

The Board of Directors of Hayleys PLC comprises Messrs Mohan Pandithage (Chairman and Chief Executive), Dhammika Perera (Deputy Chairman), Rizvi Zaheed, Nimal Perera, Sarath Ganegoda, Rajitha Kariyawasan, Dr. Harsha Cabral PC, Dr. Mahesha Ranasoma, Mangala Goonatileke, Ranil Pathirana, Lalin Samarawickrama and Ruwan Waidyaratne.

Group’s Hand Protection sector crossed the Rs. 1 Bn PBT threshold for the second consecutive year, whilst the Plantation sector contributed Rs. 963 Mn to the Group PBT.

The Hand Protection sector increased turnover by 9% to Rs. 14.7 Bn with revenue from glove manufacturing operations improving 10% to Rs. 11.2 Bn. Turnover from Sri Lankan glove manufacturing operations improved by 9% to Rs. 8.6 Bn, while Dipped Products (Thailand) Ltd, the medical glove manufacturing operation, increased turnover by 11% to Rs. 2.5 Bn. Contribution from ICOGUANTI S.p.A, the Company’s Italian marketing operation rose by 4% to Rs. 4.1 Bn. The Plantation sector recorded a turnover of Rs. 9.8 Bn, an approximate 40% YOY growth.

Overall market conditions in Europe remained challenging during the year. With Europe accounting for nearly 40% of the Group’s business these conditions were successfully countered by the Company’s concentrated investments into marketing and efforts to gain deeper insights on changing customer needs.

Speaking on the performance of DPL, Chairman, Mr. Mohan Pandithage cited the Company’s pre-emptive marketing strategies as core to its ability to overcome the otherwise  tough challenges in global markets. “ DPL’s engagement process with existing and new customers enabled the Company to offer solutions that better matched their market requirements”, noted Mr. Pandithage. The intensive marketing efforts during the year also enabled DPL to penetrate into new markets such as   Eastern Europe including Russia.

Managing Director, Dr. Mahesha Ranasoma  cited that in addition to marketing efforts   internal cost management through Lean Manufacturing  was key to the year-end performance whilst declining natural rubber prices through the year enabled a favourable price regime.

In December 2012, DPL was named winner of the Asia Responsible Entrepreneurship Awards 2012 for Southeast Asia, in the ‘Investment in People’ category in recognition of the Company’s efforts towards championing sustainable and responsible entrepreneurship. DPL’s operations are grounded on a few powerful beliefs; being an ethical glove manufacturer, integrating sustainability principles into business and uncompromising quality.

Established in 1976, Dipped Products is one of the leading non-medical rubber glove manufacturers in the world, and accounts for a 5 percent share of the global market. The company’s products now reach 68 countries.

The Board of Directors of Dipped Products PLC comprises Messrs A. M. Pandithage (Chairman), Dr. M. Ranasoma (Managing Director), N. Y. Fernando,   R. Seevaratnam, F. Mohideen , K. A. L. S. Fernando, L. G. S. Gunawardena, S. C. Ganegoda , K. D. D. Perera, M. Bottino, R M T Premarathna and V R Gunasekara.

Mr. Mohan Pandithage, Chairman and Chief Executive of the Hayleys Group received the Lifetime Achievement award at the Seatrade – Sri Lanka Ports, Trade & Logistics (SLPTL) Awards ceremony held recently. The award is in recognition of Mr. Pandithage’s contributions to the transportation and logistics industry during his career spanning four decades. The event also saw the Group’s Transportation and Logistics arm, Hayleys Advantis Limited, bagging the Shipping Agent of the Year award.

Accepting his award, Mr. Pandithage said, “I am delighted to be a recipient of this prestigious Achievement Award, in recognition of my service to this industry. Throughout my corporate journey, I have endeavoured to do my best for the company I worked for, the industry I belonged to and the country I serve. As one of Sri Lanka’s largest diversified conglomerates, Hayleys has a turnover equivalent to 1% of Sri Lanka’s GDP, and I am proud to be the Chairman and Chief Executive of this company.”

Having begun his career at Hayleys in 1969, Mr. Pandithage has served in several positions of increasing responsibility at Hayleys Advantis before he took over as the Chairman and Chief Executive of Hayleys Group in 2009.

A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport, a member of the Presidential Committee on Maritime Matters, and Director of Sri Lanka Port Management & Consultancy Services Ltd., he is also a former Chairman of the Ceylon Association of Ships’ Agents (CASA) and a former Director of both the Sri Lanka Ports Authority and Jaya Container Terminals Ltd. In 2003, Mr. Pandithage was recognized as the ‘Shipping Personality of the Year’, by the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, UK – Sri Lanka Branch.

“It is indeed an honour for us to be recognized as the Ship Agent of the Year at such a distinguished forum,” said Managing Director of Hayleys Advantis, Mr. Ruwan Waidyaratne speaking after the event.

“Awards of this nature provide invaluable feedback for continual improvement with regard to how we stack-up against our peers and market expectations” said Mr. Waidyaratne, adding that “Hayleys Advantis will continue to provide beyond expectations to all our customers at all times.”

Growing from its humble beginnings as a barge operator in Galle, 50 years ago, Hayleys Advantis – has evolved into one of the largest integrated transportation and logistics companies in Sri Lanka.

Representing some of the leading global shipping companies in Sri Lanka, including the largest car carrier vessel operator, Hayleys Advantis controls over 10% of throughput at the port of Colombo. A pioneer in the local agency business the company is also one of the largest shipping agency houses in Sri Lanka.

Working closely with its principals, Hayleys Advantis has launched several new services during the year while expanding existing services to several new destinations to continue providing higher levels of service to its clientele.

Earlier this year it began offering comprehensive automotive logistics solutions to importers clearing their vehicles at the Magam Ruhunupura Mahinda Rajapaksa Port in Hambantota through its logistics services subsidiary Logiventures.

Being the Transportation and Logistics arm of the Hayleys Group, Hayleys Advantis, draws from its strengths and wide partner network to develop and offer innovative bespoke solutions to customers both locally and internationally.

Outpacing growing challenges in traditional markets and rising costs of production, the Hayleys Group’s multinational activated carbon business noted significant achievement of several key performance milestones, in an interim statement filed with the Colombo Stock Exchange.

Haycarb in 2012/13 recorded revenue of Rs. 10.1 billion, up from Rs. 8.5 billion in the previous financial year. Significantly, the Company posted profit before tax of Rs. 1.22 billion and profit after tax of Rs. 1.03 billion compared to Rs. 657 million and Rs. 523 million in the preceding year. Earnings per share of equity holders of the company doubled to Rs. 31.50, compared to the previous financial year.

Haycarb, the pioneer manufacturer of activated carbon in any coconut producing country, with manufacturing facilities in Sri Lanka, Thailand and Indonesia supported by marketing offices in the UK, Australia and USA, contributed significantly to the national economy through foreign exchange earnings in excess of Rs. 5 billion whilst increasing emphasis in product innovation, market development and substantial investments in expanding its global manufacturing footprint.

Haycarb PLC and Hayleys PLC Chairman, Mr. Mohan Pandithage stated that the company has posted exceptional results to surpass Rs. one billion in profit after tax in spite of the economic slowdown that affected some of the major export markets. “The strong customer relationships we have nurtured based on mutual trust and our good governance principles  assisted the company to retain key customers, and the successful market penetration strategies, enabled the company to operate at full capacity, a key driver that contributed to sustain and grow its performance” he said.

Haycarb PLC Managing Director Rajitha Kariyawasan attributed concentrated efforts on marketing, sales and new business development, emphasis on driving high margin and value added products, full capacity operations together with extensive programs on waste reduction and productivity enhancements as key to the year-end performance. “Despite contraction and stagnation of demand from our traditional markets, our sales teams and active distributorships worked aggressively    to expand our market share. We also had to overcome other external challenges of rising fuel costs, wage costs and overheads”.

During the year, Haycarb manufacturing operations in Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Thailand recorded exceptional performances, with some achieving the best results in their history. “Our marketing subsidiaries in Europe, Australia and in the USA brought in worthwhile contributions to both top and bottom lines”, Mr. Kariyawasan stated.

“The relative stability of pricing of our key raw material coconut shell charcoal,  and the devaluation of the currencies in Sri Lanka and that of our other Asian manufacturing locations helped us favourably, where the net benefits could be passed on to customers through price adjustments  to protect and grow our sales base”, he added.

During the year, Haycarb PLC through its joint venture in Thailand, Carbokarn Company Ltd, purchased 100% equity of Shizuka Company Ltd. Thailand, expanding the activated carbon manufacturing capacity of the Group.  In Sri Lanka, it incorporated Haycarb Value Added Products Private Limited as a fully owned subsidiary to manufacture and export value added activated carbon products. The plant is expected to be commissioned  in the financial year 2013/14. In January 2013, PT Haycarb Palu Mitra Company was incorporated as a joint venture to build a green field activated carbon plant in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia and is expected to come into commercial operation in the early part of 2014.

A key value added carbon project of the company, to develop and market a range of Energy Storage Carbons, made significant strides in 2012/13, with successful qualifications by a number of customers. The new investment in this sphere to have a dedicated manufacturing capability for a range of Energy Storage Carbons, Ultracarb (Pvt) Ltd, is expected to contribute steadily in the ensuing financial years.

Puritas (Pvt.) Ltd., the environmental engineering systems arm of the Group, made significant headway in both financial and operational fronts in 2012/13, and is positioned to achieve success in medium to large raw and waste water treatment systems in Sri Lanka and in the Region, through the development of internal capabilities and strong strategic alliances.

“ To supplement our growth plans in marketing, capacity expansion and value addition , we have enhanced our marketing, technical, engineering, manufacturing and other support service resources globally, giving priority to acquisition of specific product application and technical knowledge whilst systematically building the leadership team”, stated Mr. Kariyawasan.  “At the same time we are consciously working towards ensuring the sustainable supply of our key raw material, coconut charcoal through strong backward linkages” he further added.

However, challenging external conditions such as spiraling energy costs, strengthening of currencies in some of the key manufacturing bases, and increases in wage costs and overheads could impact the company’s margin potential, he said. “The price stability and availability of coconut charcoal, which is a primary driver of growth and stability of earnings faces challenging times with significant increases in pricing experienced in  recent months in  India and Sri Lanka” he cautioned.

The Board of Directors of Haycarb PLC comprises Messrs Mohan Pandithage – Chairman, Rajitha Kariyawasan – Managing Director, Arjun Senaratna, Ranjeevan Seevaratnam, Sarath Ganegoda, Dhammika Perera, Mrs. Jeevani Abeyratne, Dushantha Ranaraja, Nimal Perera, Dr. Sarath Abayawardana and Sujeewa Rajapakse.

- Ends -

Logiventures, the logistics services subsidiary of the Hayleys Group, has invested in eight acres of land in close proximity to the Magam Ruhunupura Mahinda Rajapaksa Port in Hambantota to build a state-of-the-art logistics hub to support its vehicle transit facility, which opened there in June last year.

The expansion of the company’s automotive logistics operations in Hambantota will enable Logiventures to offer vehicle importers a wide range of services ranging from pre dispatch inspection to closed storage, in addition to comprehensive transport solutions, the company said.

“Over the past 11 months, Logiventures has accounted for a dominant 70 per cent share of the new vehicles cleared at the Hambantota Port, and we believe an expansion of our infrastructure is warranted,” Logiventures Director Janitha Jayanetti said.

He said the company’s existing yard of 3.5 acres within one kilometre of the Hambantota port is already adequately supported by the Logiventures car carrier fleet, which is the largest in Sri Lanka, enabling the company to transport upto 60 units a day from Hambantota.

Logiventures has constructed specialised loading ramps which are designed and manufactured in-house to suit the exact requirements of customers and the vehicles they import, and has trailers ranging from 15 to 90 feet to carry any type of vehicle or truck weighing up to 80 Tonnes, Mr. Jayanetti said. All Logiventures car carriers are GPS monitored.

The company operates two more automotive facilities in Colombo of 4.5 acres for two of the largest vehicle importers, demonstrating its expertise in automotive logistics.

A member of Hayleys Advantis, the transportation and logistics arm of the Hayleys Group, Logiventures specializes in cargo handling, transportation, automotive logistics, storage facilities, sale and hire of Convertainers® (Portable Cabins) and empty containers, supply of tamper-evident seals and stickers and numerous services related to logistics chains. The company is credited with being the pioneer in developing a car carrier trailer in Sri Lanka to transport cars on a large scale.

]]> http://www.hayleys.com/mediacentre/logiventures-expands-automotive-logistics-operations-in-hambantota/feed/ 0 http://www.hayleys.com/mediacentre/hayleys-group-appoints-niran-ranatunga-as-managing-director-of-mabroc-teas/ http://www.hayleys.com/mediacentre/hayleys-group-appoints-niran-ranatunga-as-managing-director-of-mabroc-teas/#comments Wed, 17 Apr 2013 05:36:27 +0000 editor http://www.hayleys.com/mediacentre/?p=758 Continue reading →]]>

The Hayleys Group has appointed Mr. Niran R. Ranatunga as the Managing Director of its tea marketing and export business Mabroc Teas (Pvt) Limited, with effect from 1st April, 2013.

A founder member of Mabroc Teas, which was established in 1988, Ranatunga was appointed to the Board in 1990. He commenced his career in the tea industry in 1980. He has undergone comprehensive training in tea tasting and blending at Lyons Tetley and R. Twinings & Company Limited in the United Kingdom.

“The vision of Mabroc Teas is to create teas beyond our customers’ imagination. We will continue to strive and exceed the expectations of tea connoisseurs around the world whilst adding value to our stakeholders,” stated Ranatunga. The story of Mabroc began over two decades ago when a group of tea enthusiasts including Ranatunga founded the company with the objective of providing top-quality, authentic Ceylon teas.

In 2003 Mabroc Teas joined hands with Kelani Valley Plantations PLC (KVPL) and launched the program, “A Home for Every Plantation Worker”. Together with KVPL, Ranatunga was a part of Mabroc Teas’ successful launch of the ­first “Ethical Tea Brand of the World” comprising an exciting range of unblended single garden teas based on joint commitment and initiatives to propagate the 10 principles of the UN Global Compact. This led Mabroc Teas to be the first tea company in the world to obtain United Nations Global Compact membership.

Mabroc Teas became a fully-fledged member of Hayleys in 2010, joining the Group’s Plantation Sector which spans 38 tea gardens, 19,000 hectares of tea land, 33 factories and annually produces on average 15 million kilograms of tea. Backed by the combined strength of the Hayleys Group Plantation Sector, the co-branding of Mabroc Teas with KVPL and Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC (TTEL) has also uniquely positioned the company amongst Sri Lankan tea exporters.  Several accreditations including Rain Forest Alliance Certification secured by the two plantation companies have further enhanced the status of the Group’s Plantation Sector as a preferred supplier.

Post 2011, the Company underwent several improvements to streamline operations, rearrange its organizational structure and revamp systems and controls to bring about improvements in overall efficiency and to meet stringent Food Safety Standards required by customers in developed markets.

A member of the Hayleys Group, Mabroc Teas (Pvt) Ltd is the tea marketing arm of Kelani Valley Plantations PLC and Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC. The product range extends from bulk, packets, and tea bags to exclusive gift presentations of black, green, herbal and flavoured teas, carrying Mabroc and private labels.

The Hayleys Group declared its support of the global Earth Hour initiative by turning off all non-essential lighting at its Group Companies, and committing to take purposeful steps to manage energy and waste through a long-term campaign.

“As a responsible corporate committed to sustainable practices, the Hayleys Group continues to integrate energy conservation into daily operations,” remarked Chairman and Chief Executive Mohan Pandithage. “For the Hayleys Group, strength is diversity, and in our innate ability to engage diverse groups of stakeholders. While turning off all our lights was a powerful symbolic gesture, we believe our Sector Companies should sustain the development of innovative solutions to reduce our impact on the environment, as well as actively monitor and manage energy and waste. We are taking purposeful steps towards this objective.”

Prior to Earth Hour, Hayleys communicated a promotional offering of discounts on Philips light emitting diodes (LED) at select stores for a period of one week.

On Friday the 22nd, between 12 to 1 o’clock in the afternoon, Hayleys and its Group Companies turned off all non-essential lighting, and selected air conditioning equipment, involving staff at every level to ensure the commitment was met. On Saturday the 23rd, at 8.30pm – the traditional Earth Hour period – Hayleys employees and their family members lit a giant representational ‘60+’ made entirely of clay pahan candles prior to the company’s annual Pirith Ceremony.

The Hotels division celebrated its commitment during Earth Hour with a special lineup of initiatives that engaged guests including candle-lit dining at key restaurants. The Kingsbury Hotel, the flagship city hotel of the Hayleys Group and the Amaya chain of Hotels and Resorts drove several energy management initiatives forward including limiting air-conditioner usage, halting laundry services, switching off decorative lighting and restricting chandeliers and wall lights to LED only.

The Hayleys Group has invested in adopting innovative sustainable practices across the global company. The company trains and utilises Sustainability Champions from each sector of enterprise to drive sustainability management and performance.

“We develop best practices that make sense for both our financial and environmental performance,” Pandithage said. “Our brands and business units are selecting more energy-efficient options. Over the years our manufacturing companies invested in alternate forms of energy such as biomass boilers and as a result we have seen a reduction in energy costs. Group companies also continue to balance energy conservation without sacrificing their quality of output, such as embracing lean management techniques, measuring and monitoring carbon emissions, and integrating the use of LED bulbs, which require a fraction of the energy needed for traditional lighting.”

Established in 1878, the Hayleys Group employs more than 30,000 people, and accounts for 2.51 per cent of Sri Lanka’s export income.

Earth Hour has grown into a global movement with millions of supporters in over 128 countries since its start in 2007. During Earth Hour, individuals, businesses, and governments around the world turn out their lights to demonstrate their commitment to environmentally sustainable action.

The Hayleys Group has appointed Ruwan Waidyaratne a Director of the main Hayleys Board, effective April 1^st, 2013.

Waidyaratne counts many years of senior management experience and has been heading the Transportation and Logistics Sector of Hayleys.

Announcing his elevation to the Board of Hayleys, the Group’s Chairman Mohan Pandithage said “Ruwan Waidyaratne brings great perspective as a leader, and his experience within the service-oriented Transportation sector makes him a logical nomination. I am pleased to welcome Ruwan to our board and wish him a successful career.”

Ruwan Waidyaratne joined the Hayleys Advantis Group in 1985. He was appointed a Director of Hayleys Advantis Ltd. in July 2002. Subsequently he was appointed Deputy Managing Director in January 2010 and promoted to the position of Managing Director of Hayleys Advantis Ltd in 2011.

He is a former Chairman of the Sri Lanka Freight Forwarders’ Association (SLFFA) and currently functions as a member of the Advisory Council of the Association. He was appointed a Member of the Steering Committee on Ports, Shipping, Aviation and Logistics affiliated to the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce in September 2011. He holds an MBA from the Edith Cowan University of Western Australia and has undergone executive development programmes with the National University of Singapure, Indian School of Business and INSEAD.

The Board appointment follows the retirement of Mr. JAG Anandarajah, who will step down from the Board of Hayleys PLC effective March 31^st, 2013. “On behalf of the Board I wish to place on record my appreciation of Mr. Anandarajah’s thirty three years of invaluable service to the Group, particularly the tremendous contribution he made to Dipped Products PLC where he served most of his career,” Pandithage said in a statement.

Adjudged Sri Lanka’s Best Corporate Citizen four times, the Hayleys Group employs more than 33,000 people, and accounts for 2.51 per cent of the country’s export income.

Effective April 1^st, 2013 the new Board of Directors of Hayleys PLC will comprise Messrs Mohan Pandithage (Chairman and Chief Executive),  Dhammika  Perera (Deputy Chairman),  Rizvi  Zaheed, Nimal Perera, Sarath Ganegoda, Rajitha Kariyawasan, Dr. Harsha Cabral PC, Dr. Mahesha Ranasoma, Mangala Goonatileke, Ranil Pathirana, Lalin Samarawickrama, and Ruwan Waidyaratne.