MAS goes north

Sri Lankan apparel giant MAS Holdings will begin its foray into the north as two major divisions formalise plans to build manufacturing facilities, MAS Intimates Vidiyal and MAS Active Vaanavil, in Kilinochchi.

The names of the facilities themselves, Vidiyal, meaning “dawn” and Vaanavil signifying “rainbows,” aptly symbolise MAS Holdings’ thinking behind this venture, the company said in a statement.  Like the “rainbow,” which is a collaboration of colours, MAS’s passion is to unite communities and work together in the area to herald a new phase in the development of the region.  At maturity, Vaanavil and Vidiyal together hope to provide employment for approximately 2,000 direct employees and positively contribute to the livelihoods of their families.
 Many indirect employment opportunities will also open up during the construction phase; the project and peripheral activity will provide employment opportunity for other segments of the labour force.

MAS Active embarked on this project on 4 May 2012, as it laid the foundation for commencement of construction of MAS Active Vaanavil, scheduled for completion by end of 2012. The investment will develop a 14-acre site in Ariviyal Nagar, which is six km south of Kilinochchi town.
The construction of the facility is co-funded by USAID, the development arm of the US Government.
MAS Active inaugurated a temporary training and manufacturing facility in Thiru Nagar Kilinochchi concurrently. The training centre will provide employment for 100 new recruits and training on various capabilities required for complex apparel products; whilst integrating the inductees to the MAS culture.
These pioneering employees will eventually become team leaders and multi-skilled workers. The facility will be supported by experienced staff from MAS’s existing facilities with the focus on recruiting and developing local talent.
At the opening ceremony, USAID/Sri Lanka Mission Director Jim Bednar said: “Today with the opening of this training centre and laying the foundation for a new apparel factory, we have contributed to poverty reduction, assisted Government efforts in promoting reconciliation among different ethnic groups and contributed towards sustainable economic growth in the region.”
Vaanavil will primarily service performance sports-wear under the leading international brand Nike. This venture will further strengthen both organisations’ mutual alignment to “celebrating the endless possibilities of human potential”.
At maturity, the plant will provide employment for 1,000 direct employment (over 90% from the Northern Province). The plant will be on a single shift pattern and looks forward to attracting team members from the region.
MAS Active is one of the fastest growing suppliers of performance wear, competition sportswear and casual sportswear in the Asian region. A strategic partner to Nike, they also serve global brands such as Polo Ralph Lauren, Columbia Sportswear, Tezenis and Jockey.
This innovation-driven organisation contributes to global advances in performance wear through technology and provides high end performance apparel for Olympians.
Mas Holdings Director Ajay Amalean noted: “We are excited about the potential in Kilinochchi and the great opportunity this affords us to progress together by providing more than just job opportunities, but working towards the prosperity of the community. The plant name ‘Vaanavil’ epitomises MAS Holdings’ objectives in taking our inspired tradition to the north. Vaanavil represents a collaboration of colours like rainbows and we hope that this project will unite communities to build a better future for the region and nation.”