Singer SL continues efforts to drive local manufacturing of refrigerators, washing machines

Singer (Sri Lanka) is well-known as a household name for its wide array of consumer essentials, some of which are 100% locally manufactured using the best possible technology at Singer’s very own manufacturing facilities. Singer’s local manufacturing is a well-engineered process to cater to the existing market gaps and unveil high quality products to the local market at reasonable prices. 

Starting from Singer sewing machines over six decades ago, Singer has strengthened its local manufacturing and the introduction of refrigerators and washing machines further stamped its local manufacturing footprint.

Regnis Lanka, a manufacturing subsidiary of Singer Sri Lanka is a leading manufacturer of high quality Singer/Sisil refrigerators and washing machines. Established in 1988, Regnis manufacturing facility from the very beginning was on par with the latest technology and introduced refrigerators and washing machine models to the market at various stages. 

The manufacturing facility continues to maintain high standards in the entire manufacturing process and deploy highly skilled technicians and R&D to constantly innovate to keep up with the current consumer trends.  

Singer has always been setting high standards in refrigerator manufacturing. The use of latest technology, high quality raw material and the focus on manufacturing 100% environmentally friendly products are key attributes of the refrigerator manufacturing process. 

At a time when there was much debate about CFC chemical related to refrigerants, Singer became the first company to introduce CFC free refrigerators to South Asia, which is quite an achievement for Sri Lanka. Strengthening its local manufacturing process, Singer has so far produced over 1.5 million refrigerators in its three types of models- frost-free, direct cool and inverter. 

Much alike the refrigerator segment, Singer washing machines are a familiar sight in local households and are manufactured in different models such as semi auto and fully auto. Singer has produced over 0.6 million washing machines during the last decade. The Regnis manufacturing facility caters to 45% of the total refrigerator demand and around 33% of the total washing machine demand in Sri Lanka. 

Speaking on their local manufacturing strength, Regnis Lanka Factory Director Kelum Kospelawatta said: “We believe that local manufacturing has the potential to drive the country’s economy forward by contributing to our domestic economy. 

“We hope to further encourage the local manufacturing process, help small businesses and local manufacturers to grow with us. As part of the local manufacturing expansion, we have taken steps to provide training opportunities and necessary guidance for small business owners and self-employed people develop their businesses.”

Even though, Singer has thrived in local manufacturing, it is indeed a complex process that cannot be handled by a company alone. It involves supply chains from various localities, raw material providers, technicians for factory operations, distribution and packaging processes, etc. 

Local manufacturing has not only helped Singer to expedite the manufacturing process and introduce new products to the market, it has also opened up many opportunities for locals to set up their own businesses. The refrigerator and washing machine manufacturing business alone has generated over 400 direct and indirect employment opportunities and overall, around 1000 families depend on this business.

Singer has identified the potential of local manufacturing to garner employment opportunities and taken steps to train small business owners to develop their businesses to fend for themselves. These training facilities have ensured that the business owners have a strong foundation to develop their businesses and secure a reliable income generating opportunity. 

Singer team continues to closely work with the local business owners, giving them the necessary guidance and support and encouraging more people to set up businesses of their own. This has been highly appreciated by the entire Singer team and business partners at a time when the country is facing its worst economic crisis, leaving many people without employment. 

In addition to offering employment opportunities, Singer has been able to produce a highly skilled workforce that contributes to the country’s economy. On the other hand, Singer is keen on the local value addition process backed by its innovation-led approach, that not only ensures a high quality end product, it also creates more employment opportunities for various segments in the society. 

As for the customer benefits from local manufacturing, cost efficiency in manufacturing has enabled Singer to introduce products to the local market at reasonable prices. Customer satisfaction, customer benefits and building long lasting relationships with customers have been at the forefront of Singer from its inception. 

Singer continues to embrace new technologies and manufacture high quality products to cater to the needs of local consumers while identifying potential export market opportunities.