Atlas to step up exports; eyes plant in Southeast Asia

Top stationery manufacturer Atlas Axillia Co. this week announced firm plans to step up its exports including a possible production facility in South East Asia.

“There is a big push to build up a substantial business in South East Asia. We have aggressive plans and those are underway,” Atlas Axillia Co., Managing Director Asitha Samaraweera told journalists on Wednesday.

Atlas currently exports to several markets including Philippines, Maldives and Bangladesh with plans to further expand its reach in the Asian region within the next two years. 

“There are different strategies we are looking at. We may setup plants in the South East Asian region. Right now the export volumes are not so high, but once we step up our business the volumes will increase and the export figure would be multiplied at least by several times to what we are exporting now. I think it may reach about four or five times than current volumes,” he said.

When asked if the company was keen on investing as an individual company he said that in some markets it makes sense to go with the national distributor while in some markets they may set up joint venture for the plant. “We have aggressive plans and all these are being discussed at the moment,” he added.

Samaraweera said that the company would unveil an innovative range of products in the near future, and stated that the company invests 3-4% of its annual turnover in research and development. “We are in the process of introducing bags, innovative books, certain new types of pens, new pastels and water bottles to the market,” he stressed.

He said demand for stationery is growing at about 8% to 10% year-on-year.

“We proved that high quality, yet affordable products can be produced locally and were able to offer more products to Sri Lankans as their trust in the company grew,” he added.

Atlas Axillia Co., produces two million items on a daily basis.